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You don’t have to be a professional wrestling fan to become completely entranced by the compelling storytelling and dynamic performances on the new STARZ series Heels. Created by Michael Waldron (Loki) with Mike O’Malley (Survivor’s Remorse) serving as showrunner, the drama centers on a family-owned independent wrestling promotion (the Duffy Wrestling League) in a close-knit Georgia community, and much like the WWE or AEW, the most compelling storylines are often the ones that develop outside of the squared circle.

The backbone of Heels, which premieres Sunday, August 15 on STARZ, is the simmering rivalry between brothers Jack and Ace Spade. Portrayed by Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig, respectively, Jack, the older brother, is the owner, champion, and booker of the DWL, three facts that rankle younger brother Ace. As the two continuously clash inside and outside the ring, the disparate siblings grapple over their late father’s (former wrestler and proprietor of the DWL Tom Spade) legacy as Jack desperately tries to balance his responsibilities as a husband and father with keeping his local mom and pop wrestling institution afloat.

The show’s small-town setting, abiding reverence to local wrestling, and evocative instrumental score will draw comparisons to Friday Night Lights (I regularly expected to hear Tony Lucca’s “Devil Town” during pivotal emotional moments). While no show can capture the poignancy and artistic excellence of Jason Katims’ iconic sports drama after a handful of episodes (critics were given access to the first four installments of Heels), the incisive writing and nuanced performances combine to make Heels one of the most entertaining shows of the summer.

Heels succeeds thanks to the steely resolve of Stephen Amell, who plays the angsty Jack Spade with a thinly-veiled intensity Arrow fans will surely recognize. A perfect marriage between actor and character, Amell has the requisite pro wrestling bona fides (the actor memorably competed in the WWE, Ring of Honor, and AEW) to bring the complex character to life. An artist trapped in the body of a man who looks like he’s been fighting villains on The CW for the better part of a decade, Jack’s wrestling persona (a heel, or a “bad guy”) is in direct opposition to his brother Ace, who portrays a babyface (a “good guy”).

Outside the ring, we see a stark contrast. Ace’s reactionary, overly-emotional nature leads him to struggle with his self-destructive tendencies, while Jack’s innate stubbornness and relentless pursuit of unattainable excellence results in the over-worked older brother failing in his attempt to emulate the alt rock band Everclear by being everything to everyone. Family strife is universal so the organic nature of the conflict feels genuine as the two brothers, who are more alike than they care to admit, blur the lines between the scripted world of pro wrestling and the realities of sibling animosity.

Amell and Ludwig are the headliners but Heels is bolstered by its exceptional undercard. Kelli Berglund and Allen Maldonado deliver standout performances as Crystal Tyler, Ace’s valet who yearns for a more substantial role in the wrestling industry, and Rooster Robbins, a prodigious grappler who feels as though he deserves a main event spot, respectively. The show also features Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock, a brazen former star with impulse control issues; Mary McCormack as the no-nonsense long-time DWL employee Willie Day; Trey Tucker as the overly-kind Texas rookie Bobby Pin; Alison Luff as the young matriarch of the DWL; and former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison as veteran wrestler Apocalypse.

As I mentioned above, you don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the series, but longtime fans of the sport will enjoy the inside lingo, subtle references, and CM Punk appearance in Episode 3. Heels takes place in the world of indie wrestling, but much like how you don’t have to be a soccer fan to enjoy Ted Lasso or know your crane kick from your Bonsai tree to bask in the small-screen splendor of Cobra Kai, wrestling fans will appreciate the show’s undeniable affection for the sport.

Sunday nights, which have become the undisputed home for prestige television, just found a new number one contender.

Heels premieres Sunday, August 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET on STARZ.