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Action drama

The Program (1993): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Program (1993) movie poster

The Program is a 1993 action drama directed by David S. Ward, starring James Caan, Omar Epps and Halle Berry. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $23 million worldwide. Critics gave it 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
worldwide gross
$23M
Metascore
51
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The Program (1993) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 52m (112 min)
Director
David S. Ward
Genres
Action , Drama , Sport , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Program About?

The premise of The Program without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Amidst the intense world of collegiate football, a group of players confronts the challenges of balancing their dedication to the sport with the overwhelming pressures of competition and the pursuit of academic success. They grapple with the temptations of fame, finding themselves drawn to coping mechanisms like alcohol, pills, and late-night study sessions, while others seek refuge in their studies. The film explores the personal struggles and triumphs of these athletes as they navigate this demanding environment.

The Program Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • college football
  • durham north carolina
  • sports team
  • football team
  • college sports
  • american football
  • motorcycle
  • football recruiter
  • fictional university
  • heisman trophy
  • football quarterback
  • football running back
+38 more
  • alcoholic
  • football linebacker
  • slow motion scene
  • football movie
  • united states of america
  • american football sport
  • teen boy
  • teenage girl
  • reckless driving
  • helmet
  • motorcycle helmet
  • dangerious driving
  • cliff
  • daredevil
  • tennis court
  • playing tennis
  • tennis racket
  • tennis player
  • tennis ball
  • tennis racquet
  • tennis net
  • football player
  • football game
  • football field
  • football stadium
  • stadium
  • football helmet
  • alcohol
  • beer
  • anabolic steroid
  • steroid abuse
  • steroid use
  • playing racquetball
  • racquet ball
  • racquetball court
  • racquetball racket
  • vandalism
  • breaking car window
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Cast & crew

The Program Cast

James Caan leads the cast, with Omar Epps and Halle Berry. Directed by David S. Ward; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from David S. Ward

More films directed by David S. Ward, best-rated first: Major League, Cannery Row, Down Periscope and Major League II.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Program Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Program 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

Plot

The Program Plot Summary

What happens in The Program from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 6-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

ESU Timberwolves coach Sam Winters [James Caan] must win this season or be fired, setting a high-stakes backdrop for a story built on pressure, ambition, and the messy realities of college football. The season opens under the bright glare of expectations, but the weight of what failure would mean hangs heavy over everyone involved. At the same time, a personal drama unfolds: Sophomore quarterback Joe Kane [Omar Epps] spends Christmas with his alcoholic family, a stark reminder that success on the field won’t erase the challenges off it. In the mix is Alvin Mack, a hard-nosed junior who already understands that glory can come at a personal cost, gifting his mother a door knocker for the house he plans to buy once he turns pro.

Full summary

The whole story of The Program, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Program Box Office

The Program grossed $23 million worldwide.

1993 box office

Worldwide gross

$23M

US & Canada
$23M
Videos

The Program Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Program.

The Program (1993) Trailer (VHS Capture)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Program?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the head coach Sam Winters?

Cars

Cars in The Program

16 cars on screen, including the Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider and the 1983 Ford Econoline.

All 16 cars
  • Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider in The Program Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider Important role
  • 1983 Ford Econoline in The Program 1983 Ford Econoline Minor role
  • 1991 Ford Explorer in The Program 1991 Ford Explorer Minor role
  • 1960 GMC TDH 4517 in The Program 1960 GMC TDH 4517 Minor role
Details

The Program Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “The Challenge - Die Herausforderung” and “Lobos universitarios”.

Also known as
  • The Challenge - Die Herausforderung
  • Lobos universitarios
  • Програма
  • Програмата
  • Út a csúcsra
  • Zespół
  • Программа
  • 프로그램
  • Llops universitaris

Seen The Program?

FAQ

The Program FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Program, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Program?

The Program runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).

When was The Program released?

The Program was released on September 24, 1993.

Who directed The Program?

The Program was directed by David S. Ward.

More films by David S. Ward

Who is in the cast of The Program?

The Program stars James Caan, Omar Epps and Halle Berry, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Program make at the box office?

The Program grossed $23 million worldwide.

How is The Program rated?

The Program has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 51 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Does The Program have a post-credit scene?

No. The Program has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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