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The League

From Alfawiki
The League
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryEntertainment
FoundedOctober 29, 2009; 17 years ago (2009-10-29)
DefunctDecember 9, 2015 (2015-12-09)
FateEnded
Headquarters
Chicago
,
United States
ProductsTelevision sitcom

The League is an American television sitcom that was broadcast on FX and subsequently on FXX from October 29, 2009, through December 9, 2015, encompassing seven seasons. Set in Chicago, this semi-improvised comedy revolves around a fantasy football league and the competitive, often tumultuous lives of its participants.

Premise

The narrative centers on six friends engaged in a fantasy football league, highlighting their fierce competition alongside the fallout from their pranks and schemes.

Main characters

  • Mark Duplass portrays Peter "Pete" Eckhart, a three-time league champion who separates from his wife Meegan (Leslie Bibb) early in the storyline. Pete is notorious for manipulating his friends into unfavorable trades ("trade rapes") and works in sales, though he frequently shirks actual duties. He invents and manages the "Sacko," a trophy awarded to the league's worst team. In the series finale, Pete secures $1 million, retires from the league, and it is revealed he fathered Meegan’s child.
  • Nick Kroll plays Rodney Ruxin, a cutthroat Jewish product-liability lawyer and the league champion of season 2. Highly suspicious of cheating, he balances his competitive drive with efforts to satisfy his wife Sofia. Ruxin briefly assumes the commissioner role in season 4. A Northwestern University alumnus, he trades the naming rights of his newborn child for a draft pick.
  • Katie Aselton acts as Jenny MacArthur (née Banger), Kevin’s wife who becomes an active participant in the league after initially supporting him. Known for her fierce competitiveness and frequent use of profanity, Jenny replaces Ruxin’s brother-in-law in the league and wins the Season 5 Shiva Bowl.
  • Paul Scheer portrays Dr. Andre Nowzick, a wealthy plastic surgeon often ridiculed for his naivety and attempts to stay trendy. Andre claims the Shiva trophy in season 1 but faces setbacks afterward. He co-owns a wine bar that ultimately fails due to a partner’s substance abuse. In season 7, he weds Pete’s ex-wife Meegan.
  • Stephen Rannazzisi plays Kevin MacArthur, an assistant district attorney who serves as league commissioner during Seasons 1–3 and 5. Relies heavily on Jenny’s football expertise, struggles to win but eventually captures the Shiva trophy. Father of two children and frequently teased by other league members.
  • Jon Lajoie portrays Taco MacArthur, Kevin’s unemployed musician brother with limited football knowledge who has won the league once. Known for eccentric habits and unsuccessful business ventures, Taco shows unexpected intelligence when sober. His Eskimo-Brother DataBase is sold to Mark Cuban for $1.1 million, opening new business avenues.

Recurring characters

  • Nadine Velazquez as Sofia Ruxin, Rodney’s Latina wife who shares a close bond with Taco, much to Rodney’s displeasure. She dies following vaginal rejuvenation surgery in Puerto Rico.
  • Jason Mantzoukas as Rafi, Sofia's unstable brother and associate of porn director Dirty Randy. His troubled history includes undergoing a lobotomy after numerous tragedies. Rafi’s unpredictable actions and peculiar traits significantly impact the League’s dynamics.
  • Alina Foley as Ellie MacArthur, daughter of Jenny and Kevin, noted for inheriting her parents' profane vocabulary.
  • Janina Gavankar portrays Shivakamini Somakandarkram, a urologist and former high school valedictorian among many League members. She predominantly appears in season finales as the "patron deity" of the League trophy and maintains connections with several characters.
  • Adam Karchmer as Geoffrey Ruxin, son of Rodney and Sofia, frequently referred to as "Baby Geoffrey."
  • Rob Huebel as Dr. Russell Deramo, a sex addict friend who joins the League and partners with Andre in their unsuccessful wine bar venture.
  • Leslie Bibb plays Meegan Eckhart, Pete's ex-wife who contests him over assets; she later dates and marries Andre.
  • Seth Rogen as Dirty Randy, porn director and friend of Rafi with a complex past involving mental institutions and shock therapy; a crucial figure in Rafi’s background and the extended League network.
  • Brie Larson as Ashley, Baby Geoffrey's au pair whose negligence causes friction while engaging with Pete and Rafi.
  • Ike Barinholtz as Frank "The Body" Gibiatti, Rodney's high school adversary known for provoking the group.
  • Jayma Mays portrays Trixie, Andre's former fiancée and interior decorator who ends their engagement dramatically.
  • Jeff Goldblum as Rupert Ruxin, Rodney's father.
  • Will Forte as Chuck, an out-of-town League member battling alcoholism and cancer.
  • Brooklyn Decker as Gina Gibiatti, Frank's sister who briefly dates Pete and Adrian Peterson.
  • Adam Brody plays Ted Rappaport, an out-of-town League member who dies following AIDS complications and an accident.
  • Jorma Taccone as Spazz, member of Rafi's Domination League.
  • June Diane Raphael portrays Pam, nurse at the mental institution where Rafi was committed; also appears as Ellie’s teacher.
  • Zach Woods as Lane, an acquaintance of Pete struggling with suicidal thoughts.
  • Rob Riggle plays Bethesda, partner at Ruxin's law firm and coach of Geoffrey's Little League team.

Distinguished guest appearances

  • Matt Walsh portrays Mr. Friedman, also known as "Freaky" Friedman, who is the father of the Oracle (Season 1 - Pilot).
  • Thomas Lennon appears as Bryce, the mediator handling Pete and Meegan's divorce.
  • Meghan Markle features as Meghan, whom Pete encounters shortly after his separation from Meegan.
  • Bobby Lee plays Lee Wei Lee, a regular at the local Chinese restaurant known for his "frittata," who frequently mocks Ruxin.
  • Craig Bierko acts as Craig O'Connor, Kevin’s superior at work.
  • Brooke Nevin takes on the role of Lily, Kevin’s colleague and briefly Taco’s romantic interest.
  • Janet Montgomery appears as Ambrosia, a Las Vegas stripper with a keen knowledge of fantasy football.
  • Lake Bell plays Brooke, Pete’s girlfriend and Kevin’s former partner, nicknamed "The White Knuckler."
  • Alison Becker is Darcy, a Wiccan whom Pete dates on Halloween.
  • Jamey Sheridan acts as Ted, Meegan’s older boyfriend who suffers a heart attack during Ruxin’s anniversary celebration.
  • Michael Hitchcock portrays Ed, who offers Bears tickets to Pete but whose intentions are misunderstood.
  • Alia Shawkat features as April, a courtroom sketch artist and one of Taco’s girlfriends.
  • Martin Starr plays Stu Pompeu, Pete’s high school rival who initially offers a lucrative job but later retracts it.
  • Lindsay Sloane appears as Lindsey Martin, Ellie’s teacher and Pete’s girlfriend who causes him injury.
  • Lloyd Ahlquist portrays Dr. Andre NoDick, Dirty Randy’s pornographic co-star.
  • Kayden Kross acts as Kayden, a porn actress featured in the Dr. Andre NoDick film.
  • Rick Shapiro is the Bum, a homeless man who favors Jenny’s Real Estate bench advertisement.
  • Desi Lydic plays a Waitress who has a brief encounter with Pete during "The Marathon."
  • Ray Liotta appears as Mr. Hudabega, Ruxin’s germophobic employer at his law firm.
  • Keegan-Michael Key portrays Steve "Carmenjello," a janitor offended by an incorrect nickname.
  • Sarah Silverman features as Heather Nowzick, Andre’s promiscuous sister connected to several main characters.
  • Eliza Dushku acts as Kristen, Kevin’s Krav Maga instructor.
  • Deon Cole plays the Mugger attempting to rob Kevin and Kristen after class.
  • T.J. Miller appears as Gabriel, a member of the cult "The Light of Genesis" recruiting Ruxin.
  • Thomas Middleditch portrays Julian, another recruit in the cult.
  • Brett Gelman acts as Gavin, an ex-convict prosecuted by Kevin and father to Ellie’s friend.
  • Melissa Ordway appears as Sutton, a friend of the League and romantic interest to both Taco and Pete.
  • Chris Tallman plays Mr. Swall, the HR representative at Ruxin’s firm.
  • Allison Williams portrays Danielle, Pete’s controlling girlfriend who influences his fantasy roster and beer preferences.
  • Marianne Muellerleile acts as Bernice, the nurse caring for Ruxin after his stroke who flirts with Rafi.
  • Timothy Olyphant features as Wesley, a sushi chef claiming Omaha heritage with distinctive cultural mannerisms.
  • Ryan Hansen plays Ben, Jenny’s ex-boyfriend and friend to Kevin and Andre; revealed to have had numerous encounters with Jenny.
  • Julia Duffy appears as Martha, mother to Kevin and Taco who shows favoritism toward Taco despite his shortcomings.
  • Kristin Cavallari makes a cameo as herself in Kevin and Jenny’s class; Jenny steals her breast milk.
  • Ken Marino portrays Donnie "The Seed" Sadowski, a notorious high school bully and friend of Frank Gibiatti.
  • Andrea Savage acts as Gail, Baby Geoffrey’s swim instructor.
  • J. B. Smoove plays DeRon ("Wheelchair Guy"), who buys the last pair of Vapora Sport Sneakers from under Pete before Pete reclaims them.
  • Robert Wagner features as Gumpa Duke, Pete’s promiscuous grandfather pretending to suffer dementia to pursue romantic encounters at his retirement home.
  • Lee Meriwether portrays Gumma Eve, Pete’s grandmother and Gumpa Duke’s spouse.
  • John Ross Bowie acts as Dr. Pete Wyland, responsible for Kevin’s colonoscopy; insists on being addressed simply as Pete; employs a nurse named Jenny.
  • Bob Odenkirk appears as Mall Manager who clashes with Taco over Krampus and disputes Christmas music choices with Ruxin.
  • Griffin Dunne and Glenne Headly play Andre's parents.
  • Snoop Dogg makes an appearance as himself; one of Taco's "Eskimo Brothers."
  • Christine Lakin portrays "Pete's girl."
  • Dana White acts as The Falcon's enforcer; responsible for killing Spazz, a friend of Dirty Randy and Rafi.
  • Will Sasso plays a Police Officer whom Rafi and Dirty Randy mistakenly believe is a Nazi.
  • Kevin Nealon features as Chuck Falcon, porn industry mogul dubbed the Steve Jobs of Porn; killed by Dirty Randy.
  • Ali Larter appears as Georgia Thompson, an unhappily married woman involved in an affair with Pete.
  • Erin Heatherton portrays Coach Crowley, Ellie’s formidable basketball coach.
  • Lizzy Caplan acts as Rebecca Ruxin, Rodney's sister.
  • Aziz Ansari features as Dr. Hector Rocha, Andre's rival in plastic surgery.
  • Mark Cuban appears as himself purchasing Taco's Eskimo Brother Database.
  • Brenda Song plays Rosette, Pete's girlfriend often eager to hold hands.
  • Jerry O'Connell portrays Father Muldoon, priest for the MacArthur family.
  • Erinn Hayes acts as Heather, one of Pete's girlfriends who has epilepsy.
  • Maria Thayer appears as Cheryl, Jenny's maternal rival.
  • Anna Camp plays Penny, Pete's girlfriend known for grooming Andre's cat.
  • Corbin Bernsen portrays Bruce Banger, Jenny's father.
  • Rich Fulcher features as Luther the Hobo, a homeless heckler appearing in "The Bringer Show."
  • Dan Castellaneta acts as Dr. Harvat, Lane's physician.
  • Antonio Sabato Jr. plays Father Zaragosa, priest at Sofia's church.
  • Jerry Minor portrays Greg, an inmate in a mental institution imagined by Rafi.
  • Neil Casey appears as Neil, another inmate at the mental institution where Rafi was confined.
  • Christopher McDonald acts as Judge Hardy who disapproves of dishonesty from Kevin and Ruxin in court proceedings.
  • Arielle Kebbel features as Libby, a woman dated by Pete across three episodes in season seven.
  • Deanna Russo plays Brittany Barber, Andre's college crush whom he avoids operating on professionally.
  • Casey Wilson acts as Claire, an unstable Uber driver stalking Andre obsessively.
  • Both Milo Ventimiglia and Nicky Whelan portray actors on "The Block," the gang’s favorite television show within the series universe.
  • In the final episode, Larry David makes a brief appearance in a dream sequence portraying an older version of Ruxin.
  • Finally, Dov Davidoff takes on Sergeant Panico—a volatile military veteran allied with Taco who temporarily leads his team.

Guest appearances by prominent NFL athletes and commentators

Teams

  • Andre – currently known as "The Double Ent-Andres" (previously called "The Ooh, Ruxin Got Serveds", "The I Had Allergies", "The Twilight Breaking Dawn-dres", and "The James B-Andres")
  • Kevin – presently "Too Hot to Handle" (formerly named "The Ruxin Looks Like a Middle-Aged Lesbians", "The Fighting MacArthurs", and "The Pleasures of Andre's Sister")
  • Pete – currently titled "The Shit Heads" (earlier known as "3-Pete")
  • Ruxin – now called "Jenny Top/Kevin Bottom" (previously went by "Pete Top/Kevin Bottom", "The Kevin's Micro Dongs", "The MacArthur's Crotch Nubbs", "The Andre Cried While Watching 'Jumanjis'", and "The Fear Boners")
  • Taco – currently named "Password is Taco" (formerly referred to as "The Encino Men")
  • Vince (left the league in 2010)
  • Rafi (joined replacing Vince in 2010)
  • Jenny – took over from Rafi mid-2010 with team name "The Lady MacArthurs"
  • Chuck – played under the name "Stephen Hawking's Cleats" as an out-of-town member (departed in 2015)
  • Ted – represented the team called "The Balls Deeper" as an out-of-town player (passed away in 2014)
  • Russell - succeeded Ted in 2014 with team name "Seabiscuit Rip"
  • The Coin - replaced Chuck starting in 2015

BOLD denotes active members within the league.

Season-by-season results

Show season NFL season League season Shiva Bowl champion Shiva Bowl runner-up Sacko Bowl loser ‡ Draft venue
(back story) 2005 1 Pete Ruxin N/A Pete and Meegan's House
(back story) 2006 2 Taco Pete N/A Pool near Kevin's House
(back story) 2007 3 Pete Andre N/A Ruxin's House
(back story) 2008 4 Pete Ruxin N/A Pete and Meegan's House
1 2009 5 Andre** Pete N/A Andre's downtown Chicago loft
2 2010 6 Ruxin Jenny Andre† Las Vegas
3 2011 7 * Kevin* Taco Ruxin (Andre managing)‡ Andre's Metrosexual Loft
4 2012 8 Ted Pete Ruxin Jenny's hospital room
5 2013 9 Jenny Andre Kevin Andre's Bachelor Party in L.A.
6 2014 10 Andre§ Ruxin Taco Ted's funeral
7 2015 11 "The Coin" "Ruxin" "Pete" "1890s Themed Draft"

– ‡ The Sacko Bowl was introduced starting with the sixth league season; the last-place finisher receives the Sacko trophy.

– ** In 2009, Andre secured the Shiva Bowl victory with assistance from Ruxin; both names are engraved on the trophy.

– † Although Taco initially claimed the Sacko title, it was overturned, making Andre the inaugural official Sacko recipient and establishing the “First to Worst” tradition.

– * Due to collusion targeting Ruxin in 2011, Kevin’s championship was initially invalidated but later reinstated after he transferred commissioner responsibilities and naming rights to his son. Ruxin’s stroke was deemed sufficient penalty; he subsequently passed naming rights to Taco.

– § Andre claimed victory by default in 2014 when Ruxin neglected to set his lineup before kickoff.

– The playoff structure does not involve reseeding.

The Shiva

The Shiva trophy is awarded annually to the fantasy football league champion. It is named after Shivakamini Somakandarkram, a high school valedictorian linked to a pivotal character moment involving Kevin.

The Sacko

The Sacko represents the booby prize given to the loser of the Sacko Bowl. Its recipient must also endure specific Sacko Punishments assigned each year.

Production

The League was commissioned for a pilot episode on July 15, 2009, written and directed by Jeff Schaffer with co-direction by Jackie Schaffer. Executive producers included Jeff Schaffer, Jackie Schaffer, and FX Productions.

The original cast comprised Mark Duplass as Pete Eckhart, Stephen Rannazzisi portraying Kevin MacArthur, Nick Kroll as Rodney Ruxin, Paul Scheer playing Andre Nowzick, Jon Lajoie as Taco MacArthur, and Katie Aselton as Jenny MacArthur.

On August 20, 2009, the series received an order for six episodes. Its sophomore season of thirteen episodes premiered on September 16, 2010. Confirmation for a third season arrived in January 2011, with a premiere date of October 6, 2011.

Subsequent renewals included a fourth season consisting of thirteen episodes debuting October 11, 2012; a fifth season launching September 4, 2013 on FXX; and a sixth season premiering September 3, 2014.

It was announced on December 8, 2014 that the seventh season—premiering September 9, 2015—would conclude the series.

Home media

DVD Title Region 1 Release Date Region 2 Release Date Region 4 Release Date Episode Count Number of Discs Special Features
Season One September 14, 2010 TBA TBA 6 2 Includes Extended Cuts, Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel, "Andre: Dress with Style, Win with Style", "Legalize Kevin's Pubic Smoke", "Alt Nation", "Mr. McGibblets Fun House and Dojo", "Three Penis Wine Infomercial", "Vaginal Hubris Extended", "Birthday Song" and the pilot episode of Archer.
Season Two October 4, 2011 TBA TBA 13 2 Features Extended Cuts, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, "Taco Tones Productions Presents: Vinegar Strokes", "I'm Inside Me, Notarize!", "El Notario", "Andre's Extended Fads" and "Ruxin's Wedding Video".
Season Three October 9, 2012 TBA TBA 13 2 Contains Extended Cuts, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, along with "Alt Nation" and "Taco Tones".
Season Four September 3, 2013 TBA TBA 13 2 Includes Extended Cuts, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, plus "Taco Tones", "Rafi's Helpful Holiday Hints", "Witchy Woman Podcast" and "Alt Nation".
Season Five September 2, 2014 TBA TBA 13 2 Features Extended Cuts, Gag Reel, Alt Nation, Taco Tones, The Von Nowzick Wedding Invite and Deleted Scenes.
Season Six September 1, 2015 TBA TBA 13 2 Contains Extended Cuts, Gag Reel, Alt Nation, Taco Tones and Deleted Scenes.
Season Seven June 14, 2016 TBA TBA 13 2 Includes Extended Cuts, Gag Reel, Alt Nation, Taco Tones and Deleted Scenes.
  • The first four seasons were also made available on Blu-ray Disc for Region 1. Additionally, the show was added to Hulu's streaming library in 2018.

External links

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