Apple TV+ commissions Billy Crystal limited series, renews Swagger

Swagger is based on the experiences of NBA star Kevin Durant

Apple TV+ has commissioned a limited series about a child psychiatrist, starring comedy veteran Billy Crystal, and renewed its sports drama Swagger for a second season.

According to US reports, Before will star Crystal as a psychiatrist who, shortly after losing his wife, encounters a troubled young boy. Crystal will executive produce alongside director Barry Levinson, writer Sarah Thorp and Eric Roth. The series comes from Paramount Television Studios.

Meanwhile, the second season of emotional sports drama Swagger will again be produced for Apple TV+ by Boardroom, Imagine Television Studios, CBS Studios and Undisputed Cinema.

The show, which comes from creator, showrunner and director Reggie Rock Bythewood, is inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences in the world of youth basketball in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia).

Rock Bythewood also exec produces alongside Durant, Brian Grazer, Rich Kleiman, Francie Calfo, Tony Hernandez, Kristen Zolner and Joy Kecken.

Apple TV+ said the show, which launched in October, has “quickly resonated with multi-generational audiences with its powerful ensemble performances and heartfelt story that follows the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, opportunism and corruption.”