No, ‘Friday Night Lights’ is not based on a true story. However, the series isn’t entirely devoid of real-world influences. The series is based on H. G. Bissinger’s non-fiction novel titled ‘Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream.’

Therefore, Friday Night Lights is not based on a true story. It features real-life inspirations, but its story is purely fiction.

The 2004 film was based on a nonfiction book about the 1988 Permian Panthers football team by H. G. Bissinger. It starred Billy Bob Thornton as the team's coach.

The Friday Night Lights television show is based on a book by the same name and was adapted into a movie in 2004. This story has been borrowed from actual events that took place back in 1988 at Permian High School located outside of Odessa, Texas. The football program’s success earned nationwide attention.