20 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Friday Night Lights'

Jessica BoothOct 2, 2020, 22:45 IST

Many scenes that took place in a high school were actually filmed in a high school.NBC

The NBC series "Friday Night Lights" first aired in 2006 and it follows a football-loving community in Dillon, Texas.
Taylor Kitsch, who played Tim Riggins, downed a beer during his audition.
Minka Kelly, who ended up playing Lyla Garrity, originally auditioned for the role of Tyra Collette.
Many scenes were filmed in real-life locations, not on sets.

Even if you've never watched "Friday Night Lights," chances are you've heard the most famous line from the hit NBC show: "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

The show, based on the 1990 book by Buzz Bissinger and the 2004 movie of the same name, is highly regarded by fans, even if the ratings at the time didn't always reflect it. From 2006 to 2011, the series followed a fictional high-school football team in Dillon, Texas.

Read on for some surprising things you probably didn't know about "Friday Night Lights."

Taylor Kitsch drank beer during his audition tape for Tim Riggins.

Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins. Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton drove from Los Angeles to Austin together before filming to get to know each other.

It seems to have helped their on-screen chemistry. NBC

Britton almost didn't take the role of Tami Taylor because she didn't want to just be Coach Taylor's wife.

Fortunately, her character had dimension. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Jason Street's story was inspired by a real person.

Jason Street was inspired by a real high-school football player. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Minka Kelly originally auditioned for the role of Tyra Collette.

Minka Kelly as Lyla Garrity on "Friday Night Lights." Van Redin/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

This was the second time NBC tried to make a "Friday Night Lights"-inspired series.

This time, the show lasted much longer. NBC

Scenes were filmed without rehearsals.

That may be why many seems felt authentic. NBC via Netflix

Michael B. Jordan did his own stunts as a football player.

He was an athlete in real life. NBC via Netflix

Chandler said he showed up hungover to his first meeting with the show's creator.

Fortunately, he still kept the role. NBC

Taylor Kitsch actually came up with Jason Street's nickname, "Six."

Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins. Bill Records/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Zach Gilford said he couldn't stop laughing in every take with Jesse Plemons.

Zach Gilford and Jesse Plemons on "Friday Night Lights." Bill Records/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Chandler didn't want to be involved in sex scenes.

Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. Bill Records/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Almost every scene was shot in a real location.

Many scenes that took place in a high school were actually filmed in a high school. NBC

Mindy's pregnancy was inspired by Chandler, who experienced something similar.

Mindy Collette and Billy Riggins had kids together. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Image

Chandler said his favorite scene is one featuring Matt and Julie.

Matt and Julie were a couple for many seasons. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Some of the football game footage was real.

Some footage was filmed on a high-school football field. NBC

The Riggins house really was apparently really gross in real life.

Apparently their house smelled. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

During the Riggins and Street goodbye scene, both actors cried the whole time.

Taylor Kitsch and Scott Porter on "Friday Night Lights." Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Many said they regret filming the scene from season two where Landry murders Tyra's attacker.

Jesse Plemons as Landry Clarke. Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

After the wrap party, the entire cast and crew played touch football.

It seemed like an appropriate way to wrap up the series. Van Redin/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

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