Television Shows that Feature Casinos
Television programmes deal with a wide range of themes. Some are focused around sheer comedy (such as Friends and Two-and-a-Half Men) while others have taken on more serious topics for their time (All in the Family is a great example of how groundbreaking sitcoms can leave a lasting impression). However, what if you are an avid casino fan? Are there any shows that feature casinos within their overall storyline? Let’s take a look at four franchises which have catered to the casino community in one way or another throughout their run.
Las Vegas
The title of this first series should already hint at what is in store. Las Vegas centres around the security issues facing a fictional establishment named Montecito Resort and Gambling. James Caan is the main star (of The Godfather fame) and he is in charge of an elite team of specialists forced to deal with numerous high-risk situations. Las Vegas is a great series to consider if you wish to obtain an up-close-and-personal look about what goes on behind the scenes within many high-end casinos.
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother originally debuted in 2005 and since this time, it has developed what can only be called a cult following. While primarily a sitcom, this programme still deals with a handful of real-world issues. For instance, one character known as Barney is a regular gambler and he is forced to balance such a lifestyle with his ongoing relationships. How I Met Your Mother offers an unforgettable balance of comedy, drama and off-the-cuff humour.
Breaking Vegas
While no longer on the air, Breaking Vegas made a lasting impression during its two seasons which spanned from 2004 to 2006. From high-stakes casino blackjack sessions to competing against world-class poker players, this program took a behind-the-scenes look at how some visitors try to take advantage of the system. The end result is a mix of fast-paced action and a better appreciation for how casino owners are required to remain one step ahead of patrons that may be looking to “bend” the house rules.
Big Deal
Let’s now roll the clocks back to the 1980s. Big Deal was indeed ahead of its time, as it followed the exploits of an individual who adopted gambling as a lifestyle. This popular British television series starred Ray Brooks as a man constantly trying to roll back losses with subsequent wins. It also served to highlight the need to adopt a balanced approach in order to fully enjoy what real-world casinos have to offer. The good news is that Big Deal can still be downloaded online and it is available on streaming platforms such as Netflix.
These are only a handful of the many television programmes which have featured casinos to some extent. Additional honourable mentions include Give Us a Break, High Rollers and Casino Confidential. Do not hesitate to take a closer look at each title as well as to perform additional online research.
