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Entertainment • TV Series

Eastbound and Down

Eastbound and Down is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on HBO from 2009 to 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Eastbound and Down is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on HBO from 2009 to 2013. It stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a former Major League Baseball pitcher whose career collapses and who returns to his North Carolina hometown to work as a physical education teacher while pursuing a comeback. The series is known for its dark humour and antihero lead.

Premise

The series centres on Kenny Powers, a washed-up baseball star trying to rebuild his life after professional failure. Much of the comedy comes from his arrogance, self-destructive behaviour, and attempts to reclaim fame.

Production

Eastbound and Down was created by Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and Ben Best. It was produced for HBO and became associated with McBride’s distinctive style of dark, character-driven comedy.

Broadcast history

The series premiered in 2009 and ended in 2013 after four seasons. Its original broadcast was on HBO in the United States.

Reception and style

The show is widely described as a dark comedy or comedy-drama with crude humour and an antihero protagonist. Its tone mixes sports satire with workplace and family conflict.

Key facts

  • The series follows Kenny Powers, a former Major League Baseball pitcher whose playing career has ended.
  • Kenny returns to his hometown in North Carolina and becomes a physical education teacher at his old middle school.
  • Danny McBride plays the lead role of Kenny Powers.
  • The show aired on HBO from 2009 to 2013 and ran for four seasons.
  • The series combines sports, comedy, and drama elements.
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Canadian context

The series aired in Canada through HBO-related pay television and streaming availability, and it is part of the wider North American TV comedy landscape familiar to Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Eastbound and Down about?
It follows former baseball pitcher Kenny Powers as he returns home and works as a physical education teacher while trying to revive his career.
Who stars in Eastbound and Down?
Danny McBride stars as Kenny Powers.
When did Eastbound and Down air?
It aired from 2009 to 2013.
How many seasons did Eastbound and Down have?
It had four seasons.
What network aired Eastbound and Down?
The series aired on HBO.
What genre is Eastbound and Down?
It is generally classified as a comedy-drama and sports series.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0866442/
    Supports: Series title, original run, premise, and country of origin.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/eastbound-and-down/1000399122/
    Supports: Original run, seasons, network, genre, and main premise.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/show/eastbound--down/umc.cmc.6xux9ngqqyo91unt128lm0fyb
    Supports: Premise, starring cast, release year, and episode runtime.
  4. Warner Bros. — https://www.warnerbros.com/tv/eastbound-down
    Supports: Original broadcast date and genre.