by 
Table of Contents
“Winning Time” is a sports series from HBO that reimagines the professional and personal lives of the legendary Los Angeles Lakers basketball team during the 80s. Its second season is now streaming on Max and will highlight the infamous rivalry between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
1. Subscribe to a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN) like our top choice: ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
3. Connect to the VPN using your target region.
4. Sign in to the streaming service.
5. Search, stream, and enjoy the show!
Get to know more about your favorite Laker on and off the court in this fascinating look at the team’s history. Find out where you can watch “Winning Time” on streaming services in Canada.
What Is Winning Time About?
“Winning Time” or “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” chronicles the Los Angeles Lakers’ meteoric rise in the basketball world during the 1980s. The series begins with billionaire Jerry Buss buying the Lakers in 1979, seeking to turn them into a winning team and a cultural force. He hires Pat Riley as a coach, a young and ambitious mentor widely known for his advanced offensive schemes. The team drafts the now legendary Magic Johnson, an exceptional point guard who immediately becomes one of the top players in the league alongside dominant center and Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
With Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar in the lead, the Lakers swiftly became one of the most formidable forces in the NBA. They were nicknamed “Showtime Lakers” due to their signature fast break style facilitated by Johnson. In 1980, the Lakers won the NBA championship, their first title in 12 years, and went on to win four more in the following years, ultimately making their mark as one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history.
The first season of “Winning Time” aired on the HBO network on March 6, 2022. The second season premiered on August 6, 2023.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Winning Time?
American screenwriters Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht created “Winning Time” and co-produced it with Adam McKay, based on Jeff Pearlman’s book, “Showtime.” The series also boasts a star-studded cast that features Adrien Brody from “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Jason Segel from “Shrinking,” Julianne Nicholson from “Mare of Easttown,” and Molly Gordon from “The Bear.” Here’s the cast of “Winning Time”:
- John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss
- Jason Clarke as Jerry West
- Adrien Brody as Pat Riley
- Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson
- Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Sally Field as Jessie Buss
- Jason Segel as Paul Westhead
- Gaby Hoffmann as Cookie Kelly
- Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss
- Tamera Tomakili as Cheryl Pistono
- Brett Cullen as Bill Sharman
- Michael Chiklis as Red Auerbach
- Tracy Letts as Jack McKinney
- Julianne Nicholson as Claire Rothman
- Molly Gordon as Linda Zafrani
- DeVaughn Nixon as Norm Nixon
- Spencer Garrett as Chick Hearn
- Rory Cochrane as Brian Shaw
What is the Rating for Winning Time?
“Winning Time” is rated 16+ in Canada. The series contains strong depictions of profanities, violence, drug use, nudity, and explicit sex scenes.
How Many People Watch Winning Time?
The first season of “Winning Time” generated over 6 million viewers.
How Are the Reviews for Winning Time?
Critics and basketball fans alike received “Winning Time” with countless positive reviews. The series is praised for its compelling storyline, the cast’s brilliant performances, and its production design, which perfectly captured the atmosphere of the 80s. However, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar themselves expressed criticism of the series due to alleged historical inaccuracies and even called it “deliberately dishonest.”
The series holds an impressive approval rating of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. See why critics love “Winning Time”:
- “It doesn’t take knowing a three pointer from a driving manoeuvre to find that story compelling, especially when told in this punchy, pacy manner.” — Financial Times
- “This collection of egos is never not interesting, forever colliding in ways fascinating and strange, comedic and fraught. Game on.” — Chicago Tribune
Where to Watch Winning Time in Canada?
“Winning Time” is available on streaming services and video-on-demand in Canada.
Is Winning Time Available on Streaming?
Max
“Winning Time” is on Max, the rebranded HBO platform. However, Max is only available in the US and select European territories, so you will need a VPN to access the service. To stream the series on Max, subscribe to any of its membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous Streams | Video Resolution | Number of Downloads |
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
Unfortunately, Max no longer offers a free trial since its relaunch. The platform is also compatible with almost every type of device, such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming media such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.
Some of the best shows you can stream on Max include “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” “The White Lotus,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Last of Us,” and “Sharp Objects.”
Crave
Alternatively, you can also watch “Winning Time” on Crave, the Canada-exclusive platform. To watch the series on the service, subscribe to any of the following membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video Resolution | Simultaneous Streams |
| Basic with ads | CAD$9.99 | CAD$99.90 | 720p | 1 device |
| Standard with ads | CAD$14.99 | CAD$149.90 | 4K | 4 devices |
| Premium ad-free | CAD$19.99 | CAD$199.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
Crave also offers a 7-day free trial to new subscribers that you can cancel at any time. The platform is compatible with different devices as well, including smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Crave also houses content from various networks like HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central. “American Psycho,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “The Shining,” “Beetlejuice,” “Oldboy,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and “The Dark Knight,” are some of the most noteworthy movies you can stream on Crave.
Is Winning Time Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can also buy the entire first season of “Winning Time” on Apple TV Plus.
Is Winning Time Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Winning Time” airs on the HBO channel every Sunday at 9PM.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Winning Time?
You will only need a VPN if you prefer to watch via Max.
Fast Break to Glory
“Winning Time” presents the electrifying rise of the Showtime Lakers, showcasing the unforgettable game style, unmatched talent, and enduring influence that solidified their legendary status not only in the basketball world but also in pop culture.
You can watch “Winning Time” on Max, Crave, the HBO channel, and VOD in Canada.
1. Subscribe to a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN) like our top choice: ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
3. Connect to the VPN using your target region.
4. Sign in to the streaming service.
5. Search, stream, and enjoy the show!
