HIT COMEDY SERIES "BALLERS," STARRING DWAYNE JOHNSON, RETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH AND FINAL SEASON AUGUST 25, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Exploring the glamorous, often cutthroat, world of pro football through a group of past and present players striving to stay in the game, BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today's players. Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") who also serves as showrunner, the hit comedy series returns for its eight-episode fifth and final season SUNDAY, AUG. 25 (10:30-11:03 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

The series is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners' streaming portals.

This season finds Spencer (Johnson) settling into retirement and reflecting on his past, when an offer that's too good to refuse comes his way and sends him back into the lion's den, this time as a team owner. In the wake of his split with Spencer, an ambitious Joe (Rob Corddry) gambles aggressively to make Sports X greater than ever with the help of his new partner, Lance (Russell Brand). Meanwhile, Ricky (John David Washington) has a startling setback that forces him to consider a new kind of future and tests his physical, mental and emotional resolve; Charles (Omar Miller) learns that being a general manager means getting your hands dirty; Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) shifts his focus to his love of professional gaming despite Reggie's (London Brown) wariness; and Jason (Troy Garity) decides to take his career to the next level.

Other returning cast regulars include John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Omar Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown and Brittany S. Hall.

Returning guest stars include Russell Brand, Carl McDowell, Jazmyn Simon, Jay Glazer, Mark Schlereth, Robert Wisdom, Richard Schiff, Steven Weber and Emayatzy Corinealdi.

New guest stars for season five include Catherine Haena Kim, Odell Beckham Jr., Melvin Gordon, Rick Fox, Mikey Alfred, Randy Couture, DeAndre Hopkins, Derwin James, Von Miller, Malcolm Jenkins and Dante Fowler, Jr.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode #501 (season 5, episode 1): "Protocol is for Losers"

Debut date: SUNDAY, AUG. 25 (10:35-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

While peacefully enjoying retirement and reflecting on his past, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) gets a tantalizing offer. A year after splitting with Spencer, Joe (Rob Corddry) eyes a big swing at Sports X with his new partner, Lance (Russell Brand). Ricky (John David Washington) finds himself in hot water with Charles (Omar Miller), and Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) considers a life change, much to Reggie's (London Brown) chagrin.

Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #502 (season 5, episode 2): "Must Be the Shoes"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 1 (10:35-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

After learning of competing owner offers, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) engages with past allies. Joe (Rob Corddry) is tasked with apologizing for creating a hostile work environment with the help of Kate (Catherine Haena Kim), a sharp Sports X exec. Ricky (John David Washington) and Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) each consider different kinds of futures, while Charles (Omar Miller) tries to hide some unwelcome news.

Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #503 (season 5, episode 3): "Copernicursed"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 (10:40-11:10 p.m. ET/PT)

Just as Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) reaches out to him with the job of a lifetime, Jason (Troy Garity) gets an interesting counteroffer from Joe (Rob Corddry). Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) has a tryout at an e-sports company and Reggie (London Brown) bemoans his position at Sports X. Ricky (John David Washington) turns to old ways to deal with his new situation. Charles (Omar Miller) considers a solution to another headache.

Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #504 (season 5, episode 4): "Municipal"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 (10:40-11:10 p.m. ET/PT)

Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) settles into his new position and makes a potentially unpopular decision. With Sports X teetering on the edge financially, Joe (Rob Corddry) gets sidetracked with his personal life. Ricky (John David Washington) tries his hand in the media and voices his true feelings about an ally. Reggie (London Brown) comes to Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) with a proposal that will make them both happy.

Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Rob Weiss.

Episode #505 (season 5, episode 5): "Crumbs"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 (10:35-11:05 p.m. ET/PT)

Spencer faces pressure from all sides as he fights for Kisan. Ricky (John David Washington) gets mixed feedback about his radio show. Reggie (London Brown), Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) and Lance (Russell Brand) struggle to convince Joe (Rob Corddry) to invest in a new business. Charles (Omar Miller) works hard to land a big player. Jason (Troy Garity) goes through tough negotiations with the Anderson brothers.

Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Rob Weiss.

Episode #506 (season 5, episode 6): "Entertainment"

Debut date: SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

In the wake of an unexpected tragedy, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) prepares for his first owners meeting. While trying to balance work and his relationship with Kate (Catherine Haena Kim), Joe (Rob Corddry) decides to go on Ricky's (John David Washington) radio show. Charles (Omar Miller) deals with an unexpected health crisis in the middle of his busiest time at work. Vernon (Donovan W. Carter), Reggie (London Brown) and Lance (Russell Brand) try to recruit a trio of gaming siblings for their new league. Jason (Troy Garity) celebrates his anniversary.

Written by Jason Lew; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.

Episode #507 (season 5, episode 7): "Who Wants a Lollipop"

Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 6 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

When Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) returns to the Sports X offices to work out a major player deal, he and Joe (Rob Corddry) air past grievances and later, Spencer makes a big public statement that's sure to have consequences. Charles (Omar Miller) mulls over a new deal from Werner after getting a wakeup call about his health. Ricky (John David Washington) gets defensive in a meeting with a Hollywood bigwig who has ambitious plans for his future. Vernon (Donovan W. Carter), Reggie (London Brown) and Lance (Russell Brand) arrive at their first Esports tournament as underdogs.

Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.

Episode #508 (season 5, episode 8): "Players Only"

Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 13 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Despite having a bullseye on his back, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) refuses to back down in his fight for the league's players. Joe (Rob Corddry) embraces a new state of mind as he finds peace with himself. Julie (Jazmyn Simon) encourages Charles (Omar Miller) to take care of unfinished business. Ricky (John David Washington) decides to strike out on his own with his latest project. Reggie (London Brown) takes the next step in his career, with some encouragement from Vernon (Donovan W. Carter).

Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Season five credits: BALLERS was created by Stephen Levinson; executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Rob Weiss, Karyn McCarthy and Julian Farino; supervising producers; Janace Tashjian, Rashard Mendenhall and Steve Baker; producers Julie Camino, David Levinson, Denis Biggs, Colby Parker Jr., Don J. Hug, Tommy Armour IV; co-producers, Sarah Potts, Natalie Lindeman and Olivier Arnesen. Stephen Levinson serves as showrunner.