Netflix is looking for its next romantic comedy hit with Players. The streaming service has found luck with Valentine’s Day films in the past. From the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series to Set it Up and Someone Great, they’ve delivered a steady resurgence to the rom-com genre. Their latest, Players, seeks to continue that trend. Gina Rodriguez stars with Trish Sie (Sitting in Bars With Cake) directing.
It’s been quite some time since romantic comedies have been considered (on a broad scale) a credible genre. Despite its prevalence in past decades, the 2010s/2020s have seen a significant lack. It’s what makes films such as 2023’s Anyone But You exciting ventures — we want to see romance back on our screens and be considered a viable genre. Players see’s Netflix committed to keeping the romance alive and well.
What is Players About?
New York sportswriter Mack (Gina Rodriguez) has spent years devising successful hook-up “plays” with best friend Adam (Damon Wayans Jr.) and their crew. While it has led to countless one-night stands over the years, following their playbook comes with a strict set of ground rules — chief among them: you can’t build a relationship from a play. When Mack unexpectedly falls for her latest target, charming war correspondent Nick (Tom Ellis), she begins to rethink the game entirely. As the lines between work, fun, friendship, and romance begin to blur, Mack must learn what it takes to go from simply scoring to playing for keeps.
Cast & Crew
- Gina Rodriguez (Spy Kids: Armaggeden)
- Damon Wayans Jr. (The Harder They Fall)
- Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth)
- Augustus Prew (The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power)
- Liza Koshy (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts)
- Ego Nwodim (Saturday Night Live)
- Marin Hinkle (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
- Tom Ellis (Lucifer)
Director: Trish Sie
Writer: Whit Anderson
Producers: Ross M. Dinerstein, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Ryan Christians
When and Where to Watch Players?
February 14 on Netflix