CBS and Imagine Studios' Swagger season 2 readying Virginia shoot

Season two of Swagger, starring O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Isaiah R. Hill, is set to shoot in Virginia this summer.

The sports drama series is being produced by CBS Studios and Imagine Television Studios.

Announcing the production in a statement, Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin said: “We look forward to welcoming the team behind this engaging series back to the Commonwealth. Virginia has a rich history of great basketball players, and this window into the AAU path of today’s aspirational players is compelling.”

Inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences, Swagger explores the world of youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who navigate their dreams and ambition as well as opportunism and corruption.

Swagger was created by Reggie Bythewood (Notorious), who also writes, directs, and serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Durant, Brian Grazer and Kleiman. The series is produced by Thirty Five Ventures, Imagine Television Studios, CBS Studios and Undisputed Cinema.

Alongside Jackson Jr. and Hill, the series also stars Shinelle Azoroh, Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, Caleel Harris, Tristan Mack Wilds, Tessa Ferrer, James Bingham, Solomon Irama, Ozie Nzeribe and Jason Rivera.

Virginia Film Office director Andy Edmunds said: “Swagger’s presence in Virginia has provided economic growth, career mobility for our talented Virginia production workers, and community development.  This special series has benefitted the Commonwealth beyond traditional economic development parameters, working to become true partners with the communities in which they film.  We are honoured to host Swagger Season 2 and to continue to maximise the opportunities this show offers Virginia.” 

The series qualifies for the Virginia film tax credit and grant. The exact amount is determined by the number of local staff hired, Virginia goods and services purchased and deliverables.