Behind the Mask is a documentary television series that chronicles the trials and tribulations of sports mascots. The 20-episode series focuses on the unsung heroes of sports, mascots.
| Behind the Mask | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Josh Greenbaum |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 20 |
| Original release | |
| Network | Hulu |
| Release | October 29, 2013 – February 25, 2015 |
The series follows the lives of seven mascots at different levels, both inside and outside the suit. The series focuses on mascots at four levels: high school, college, minor leagues, and major leagues[1] and in professional freelancing.
The first season of the series premiered on October 29, 2013 on Hulu and Hulu Plus and the season finale aired on December 17, 2013.[2] The second season of the series premiered on February 25, 2015.
On March 26, 2014, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has announced that the show has earned a Sports Emmy nomination for Outstanding New Approaches in Sports Programming, a first for Hulu.[3]
Synopsis
editRooty is adored by cheerleaders when he's in the outfit, but ignored by them out of it. The student behind Hey Reb is on the Bluto/Van Wilder academic track, currently in his sixth year. Tux has half the income he once had, as he pursues his dreams of working in the NHL and Bango must juggle five kids along with injuries he has sustained.[4]
Featured Mascots (Season 1)
editThe four mascots featured are:
| Name | Mascot name | Sports program | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Hostetter | Rooty the Cedar Tree | Lebanon High School (Pennsylvania) Cedars | Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association |
| Chad Spencer | Tux | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | American Hockey League |
| Jon "Jersey" Goldman | Hey Reb! | University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV Rebels) | National Collegiate Athletic Association |
| Kevin Vanderkolk | Bango the Buck | Milwaukee Bucks | National Basketball Association |
Season 2
editSeason 2 cast members were announced on November 5, 2014. The 10-episode season aired in February on Hulu. Only one of the four mascots from Season 1 returned for the second season in the series: Chad "Tux The Penguin" Spencer. Spencer was joined by Lou Seal of the San Francisco Giants, Chris Hall (a freelance mascot who has autism), and 17-year-old Gilbert Arizona High School mascot Navey "The Tiger" Baker.[5] Season 2 premiered on February 26, 2015.
Featured Mascots (Season 2)
editThe four mascots featured are:
| Name | Mascot name | Sports program | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navey Baker | The Tiger | Gilbert High School (Arizona) Tigers | Arizona Interscholastic Association |
| Chris Hall | Multiple mascots | Freelance Mascot Cherry Hill, New Jersey | Mascot-For-Hire |
| Chad Spencer | Tux the Penguin | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | American Hockey League |
| Joel Zimei | Lou Seal | San Francisco Giants | Major League Baseball |
References
edit- ^ David Hinckley (October 29, 2013). "Team mascots are game for a demanding gig in 'Behind the Mask'". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ ET Online: Mascot Mania in 'Behind the Mask'
- ^ "Hulu Earns First-Ever Emmy Nomination with 'Behind the Mask'". Mashable. 26 March 2014.
- ^ Ryan Glasspiegel (October 29, 2013). ""Behind the Mask," an Original Hulu Series on the Life of Mascots, Premieres Today". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ Todd Longwell (November 5, 2014). "SF Giants mascot for the latest season of Behind the Mask". StreamDaily.tv. Retrieved November 6, 2014.