Plot Synopsis

This reality series documents a season with one Major League Baseball team, starting with spring training and continuing through Opening Day, home games, away games and the endless travel. THE FRANCHISE goes behind-the-scenes, showing what really happens -- both on and off the field.

Season 1 (2011 San Francisco Giants): Will minor-league-phenom Brandon Belt perform so well during spring-training games that he forces the front office to give him a spot on the major-league roster? But what happens if he slumps early in the year? Can the Giants repeat their magical run when they won the 2010 World Series? How will the Giants solve its defensive problems in right field? Can the team survive injuries to players like closer Brian Wilson? Will "The Freak" Tim Lincecum continue to defy odds and pitch like a Cy Young contender again? Showtime aired a sneak peek of this season of THE FRANCHISE on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 9:30pm, before showing the official series premiere one day after the 2011 All-Star Game in mid-July.

Season 2 (2012 Miami Marlins): Before moving into its new stadium, the Marlins made a splash in the free-agent market by signing All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes ($106 million deal), starting pitcher Mark Buehrle ($58 million), and closer Heath Bell ($27 million). Will last year's shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, make a smooth transition to third base and regain his stroke at the plate? Will new manager Ozzie Guillen provide enough guidance for the team to offset his frequent off-field distractions, like his recent suspension for his comments about Fidel Castro? Can ace pitcher Josh Johnson stay healthy? Will starting pitcher -- and stat-geek favorite -- Ricky Nolasco finally fulfill his potential? Can starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano find redemption in Miami after his disastrous last season with the Chicago Cubs? Showtime aired a sneak peek of this season of THE FRANCHISE on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 9pm ET/PT, before showing the official season premiere on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 10pm ET/PT.