As I worked my way through Season 1 of Friday Night Lights this winter, I came to the slow realization why I did not originally watch the show. I have a hard time turning off my experiences around sports.

I played almost every sport growing up. I dreamed of working as a sportswriter and spent eight years in a newsroom. I continue to freelance in sports, particularly high school football, one of my favorite things to cover.

That’s why I resisted the drama. I knew I would get lost in nitpicking the details of the sport instead of enjoying the stories. Even as I heard good reviews of the show from friends, I haughtily believed they just didn’t have my discerning eye for gridiron accuracy.

I finally gave in a few months ago and polished off the inaugural season the day after the Super Bowl. I’m so glad I allowed myself to get hooked. I’m even starting to watch Season 2 even though I know it doesn’t live up to Season 1.

All of this came about even though I still can’t understand how Jason Street had such an incredible connection to Eric Taylor yet everyone else in town seemed to know nothing about the new coach. I fell in love with the stories even though I wondered why we found out in Episode 15 that Smash had played quarterback on the JV level, but no one brought up that fact or considered using him under center even when everyone thought the season was lost with Saracen as QB1. I even bit my tongue when no one played both ways.

Maybe I’m growing up. Maybe the show’s just that good. Maybe Tim Riggins is that cute. I don’t know how I managed to keep my nitpicks inside for all 22 episodes, but I did. The good thing is that each of the following four seasons didn’t run as long so I don’t have   as far to go before I get to the finale.

Hopefully they don’t make the rumored movie before that happens.