Swagger

Whether you’re a basketball junkie or a casual fan, “Swagger” is an instantly captivating and authentic dramatic ride.

Swagger is a realistic look at how a talented kid becomes a superstar in the youth basketball world, but at least learns how to be a fully-realized person if basketball (more than likely) doesn’t make him rich.

“Swagger,” intended for an audience that includes young people, is schematic, presenting lessons for its team of kids to figure out and conflicts for them to overcome. But crisp dialogue and winning performances, including by Quvenzhané Wallis as a young talent facing conflicts of her own with her overly insinuating coach help it maintain interest.

“Swagger” might have one manufactured conflict too many, but when it settles into the stories that come naturally from these kids dealing with an uncertain future, it shines.

Like a lot of shows about young people, “Swagger” has a habit of repeating itself a few too many times to make sure the message lands, but it never succumbs to its sizable “After School Special” potential because of Bythewood’s emphasis on people over theme.

It can be a lot to absorb. But “Swagger” juggles its load thoughtfully, and it does what episodic TV must. It keeps you looking forward to the next chapter. On the court, the series meets its mandate to emphasize drama and excitement over realism.