JuJu Watkins‘ ‘On the Rise’ Season 2 Premieres on NBC and Peacock: LeBron James’ UNINTERRUPTED Spotlights USC Star’s Injury and Comeback

In a gripping follow-up to her breakout freshman year, USC basketball sensation JuJu Watkins returns to the spotlight with the premiere of Season 2 of the documentary series On the Rise. Produced by LeBron James’ UNINTERRUPTED and sponsored by State Farm, the four-part series dives deep into Watkins’ sophomore season, chronicling an unexpected injury that tested her resilience and her inspiring path to recovery. The season kicks off with a special broadcast on NBC on October 15, 2024, followed by all episodes streaming exclusively on Peacock starting the same day, offering fans an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of elite college athletics.

This premiere comes at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball, as USC basketball continues to dominate headlines with Watkins at the helm. Last season, she shattered records as a freshman, averaging 27.2 points per game and leading the Trojans to the Elite Eight. But Season 2 promises even more raw emotion, focusing on a mid-season ankle sprain that sidelined her for six weeks, forcing her to confront doubts about her future in the sport. “JuJu’s story isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the human spirit,” said LeBron James in a statement announcing the series. “Through UNINTERRUPTED, we’re committed to amplifying voices like hers that redefine what’s possible.”

The series, which first captured audiences in Season 1 with behind-the-scenes access to Watkins’ recruitment and debut, has already amassed over 5 million views across platforms. This new installment, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sarah Johnson, blends cinematic storytelling with intimate interviews, showcasing Watkins’ journey from high school phenom at Sierra Canyon to NCAA standout. State Farm’s involvement underscores their ongoing support for youth sports, with branding integrated seamlessly to highlight themes of perseverance and community.

Watkins’ Shocking Injury: A Turning Point in Her Sophomore Campaign

The heart of On the Rise Season 2 revolves around a pivotal moment in November 2023, when JuJu Watkins suffered a severe ankle injury during a high-stakes game against UCLA. What started as a routine drive to the basket ended in agony, as Watkins twisted her ankle under pressure from a defender, tearing ligaments and fracturing a small bone. The injury, which required surgery and months of rehabilitation, came just as the Trojans were building momentum toward another deep tournament run.

Episode 1, titled “Fractured Dreams,” opens with raw footage of the incident, captured by the UNINTERRUPTED crew embedded with the team. Watkins, then 19, is seen collapsing on the court, her face contorted in pain as teammates rush to her side. “I thought it was over,” Watkins recounts in a voiceover, her voice cracking with emotion. “Basketball has been my everything since I was a kid. Losing it, even temporarily, felt like losing myself.” Medical experts in the episode explain the injury’s severity: a Grade 3 sprain combined with a stress fracture, sidelining her for at least eight weeks—longer than initially projected due to complications in healing.

Statistics from the NCAA highlight the prevalence of such injuries in women’s basketball: over 20% of players experience lower-body trauma each season, often derailing promising careers. For Watkins, whose freshman stats included 12.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, the setback was monumental. USC’s athletic department reported that her absence led to a temporary dip in team performance, with the Trojans dropping three consecutive games. Yet, this adversity became the series’ emotional core, showing Watkins’ determination through grueling physical therapy sessions and mental health check-ins.

In one poignant scene, Watkins visits her family’s home in Los Angeles, where her mother, a former college athlete, shares stories of her own setbacks. “Pain is temporary, but your drive isn’t,” her mother advises. This family dynamic adds layers to Watkins’ narrative, emphasizing the support system that propelled her from a top high school recruit—ranked No. 1 in the Class of 2023—to USC basketball‘s cornerstone player.

LeBron James and UNINTERRUPTED’s Role in Amplifying Watkins’ Story

LeBron James, through his media company UNINTERRUPTED, has long championed underrepresented stories in sports, and On the Rise exemplifies this mission. Founded in 2015, UNINTERRUPTED has produced hits like The Shop and Space Jam: A New Legacy, but its documentary arm focuses on athlete-driven content. James, who himself navigated injuries during his NBA career—including a torn groin in 2019 that cost him 17 games—saw parallels in Watkins’ journey. “I’ve been there,” James said in an exclusive interview for the series. “JuJu’s not just playing for USC; she’s inspiring a generation. We wanted to capture that authenticity.”

The collaboration with State Farm, a longtime NBA sponsor, brings financial backing and promotional muscle. State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor” campaign ties into the series by featuring ads that spotlight community recovery stories, mirroring Watkins’ arc. Production costs for Season 2 exceeded $2 million, according to industry sources, allowing for high-production values like drone shots of USC’s Galen Center and 4K interviews with coaches and rivals.

James’ involvement extends beyond production; he makes a cameo in Episode 3, offering Watkins advice via video call during her rehab. “Keep grinding, kid,” he tells her. “The league is watching.” This mentorship underscores James’ influence, as he has mentored young stars like Bronny James, who shares a Sierra Canyon connection with Watkins. UNINTERRUPTED‘s track record—boasting 90% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes for its sports docs—positions Season 2 for viral success, especially with cross-promotion on James’ social media, where he has over 150 million followers.

Critics praise UNINTERRUPTED for diversifying sports media, which has historically favored men’s leagues. In 2023, women’s sports content viewership surged 25% on streaming platforms, per Nielsen data, and Watkins’ series aims to capitalize on this trend. Her story aligns with broader conversations about equity in college athletics, especially post-Title IX expansions.

Inside USC Basketball: Watkins’ Recovery and Team Dynamics

As JuJu Watkins battled back from injury, On the Rise Season 2 peels back the curtain on USC basketball‘s inner workings. Episode 2, “Rebound,” follows her return to practice in January 2024, where she gradually reintegrates into drills. Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, a trailblazer who previously assisted the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Trojans adapted their strategy around Watkins’ limited minutes. Gottlieb, in a sit-down interview, reveals the challenges: “JuJu is our engine. Without her, we had to rethink everything—from offense to morale.”

Watkins’ recovery was methodical: starting with aquatic therapy to reduce joint stress, progressing to agility ladders, and culminating in full-contact scrimmages. By February, she was back to averaging 25 points per game, leading USC to a 28-6 record and another NCAA Tournament berth. The series includes stats visualizations—Watkins’ shooting percentage dipped to 38% post-injury but rebounded to 47% by season’s end—highlighting her adaptability.

Team dynamics shine through in unscripted moments, like teammate huddles where players discuss Watkins’ vulnerability. “She’s tough, but we all hurt for her,” says forward Kamilla Cardoso, a key recruit. The documentary also explores USC’s campus life, from study halls amid Pac-12 pressures to NIL deals that Watkins leverages for endorsements with brands like Nike and Gatorade. Her NIL valuation hit $1.2 million in 2024, per On3 Sports, making her one of the top earners in women’s college hoops.

Broader context includes the evolving landscape of USC basketball: the program’s $100 million facility upgrades and its shift to the Big Ten conference in 2024, which adds travel rigors. Watkins’ leadership during recovery fostered unity, with the team posting a 15-2 record in her absence, proving depth beyond one star.

Peacock Premiere Details: Episode Highlights and Viewing Guide

Fans eager for On the Rise Season 2 won’t have to wait long: the NBC premiere airs at 8 PM ET on October 15, featuring the first episode with live commentary from ESPN’s Elle Duncan. Immediately after, all four episodes drop on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, which saw a 40% subscriber bump from sports content in 2023. Subscription tiers start at $5.99/month, with premium access unlocking ad-free viewing and bonus features like extended interviews.

Episode breakdowns tease compelling narratives: Episode 1 covers the injury; Episode 2 her rehab grind; Episode 3 her on-court return against rivals like Stanford; and Episode 4 reflects on the season’s lessons, including USC’s tournament exit. Highlights include Watkins’ 40-point game against Oregon, captured in slow-motion glory, and emotional post-game tears after a win dedicated to her physical therapists.

Peacock‘s platform enhances accessibility, with interactive timelines letting viewers jump to key moments and fan forums for discussions. Marketing pushes include trailers on TikTok, where Watkins’ clips have garnered 10 million views, and partnerships with influencers in the WNBA pipeline. For international audiences, subtitles in Spanish and Mandarin broaden reach, aligning with global interest in women’s basketball post-Caitlin Clark’s rise.

Viewing stats from Season 1 predict strong numbers: 2.1 million live viewers on NBC and 3.5 million streams on Peacock. This season, expect even more, as Watkins’ story intersects with timely topics like mental health in sports— she shares therapy sessions addressing anxiety from public scrutiny.

Future Horizons: How ‘On the Rise’ Shapes Women’s Basketball Narratives

As On the Rise Season 2 concludes, it sets the stage for Watkins’ junior year and beyond, hinting at WNBA prospects. Scouts from the Los Angeles Sparks, where James has ownership ties, praise her versatility: “JuJu could be the next face of the league,” says GM Curt Miller. The series ends on an uplifting note, with Watkins eyeing Olympic trials in 2028 and expanding her brand through UNINTERRUPTED spin-offs.

The documentary’s impact extends to inspiring young athletes; schools report increased enrollment in girls’ basketball programs after Season 1. With LeBron James teasing a potential Season 3, and USC basketball poised for Big Ten dominance, Watkins’ journey continues to elevate women’s sports visibility. As streaming wars intensify, Peacock‘s investment in such content signals a golden era for authentic storytelling, ensuring stories like Watkins’ resonate far beyond the court.

Viewers can stream now on Peacock and catch reruns on NBC, joining a movement that’s not just watching history but shaping it.