Michigan great Jalen Rose takes on dramatically new role in South West High

The former ESPN talent explores a new avenue with his drama series set to debut on Tubi.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Longtime NBA standout and television analyst Jalen Rose is stepping into a new creative role with the launch of his drama series "South West High", set to debut Feb. 23 on Tubi. Rose co-created and executive produced the series and also stars as Nolan Thomas, a former professional basketball player who returns to his struggling Detroit alma mater as principal.

Why it matters

This marks the first project from Rose's newly formed production company, Same Page Entertainment, launched in partnership with Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. The show aims to share stories that reflect Rose's real-life work founding the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, exploring issues of power, accountability and sacrifice in an inner-city high school setting.

The details

Set in an inner-city high school, the drama follows Nolan's push for reform as he confronts various challenges. The cast includes Dawn Halfkenny, Towanda Braxton, Christina Cooper and former NFL linebacker Stevie Baggs Jr., with guest appearances by Anna Maria Horsford and Detroit rapper Sada Baby.

  • The series is set to debut on Tubi on February 23, 2026.

The players

Jalen Rose

A former NBA standout and television analyst who is co-creating and executive producing the new drama series "South West High" and also starring as the lead character, Nolan Thomas.

Tom Gores

The owner of the Detroit Pistons and the chairman and founder of Platinum Equity, who is partnering with Jalen Rose on his new production company, Same Page Entertainment.

Nolan Thomas

The lead character in the "South West High" drama series, portrayed by Jalen Rose, who is a former professional basketball player returning to his struggling Detroit alma mater as the principal.

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What they’re saying

“This series is fiction, but the spirit behind it is very real. I wanted to share stories that reflect what I've witnessed for years – young people lifting each other up and believing in a future full of possibility.”

— Jalen Rose, Co-creator and Executive Producer (Deadline)

What’s next

Rose will also fill in for Shaquille O'Neal on ESPN's "Inside the NBA" this week, marking his first appearance on the network since departing in 2023.

The takeaway

Jalen Rose's transition from NBA star and ESPN analyst to co-creator and lead actor in a new drama series reflects his ongoing commitment to uplifting and empowering youth in his hometown of Detroit, drawing from his real-life experiences founding the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.