ESPN set to launch poker-themed drama ESPN is moving forward on “Tilt,” a new scripted drama set against the backdrop of the World Series of Poker. The series, which follows in the footsteps of ESPN’s football expose “Playmakers,” will premiere Jan. 13. Set in Las Vegas, “Tilt” tracks the events leading up to a World Series of Poker showdown, looking at the sometimes glamorous and sometimes dangerous lives of some of the players. The action will take place at the tables and in the hotels and backrooms. “Tilt” comes from Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who will executive produce as well as write and direct the pilot. The duo know the poker terrain, having written the Matt Damon vehicle “Rounders.” They also wrote and directed “Knockaround Guys,” which starred Barry Pepper and Vin Diesel. Given the importance of competitive poker to ESPN’s schedule, the network could run into the same problems that plagued “Playmakers.” Although that series earned solid ratings and respectable reviews, ESPN didn’t pick up a second season, admitting that the NFL pressured the network to dump the controversial football drama.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Victoria Rodriguez ([email protected]).