Introducing "Timeline" And ESPN's Own Version Of The Daily Show
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Obviously a network can't sit still in this ever-changing Sports environment but in the collection of ESPN ideas, this is definitely a stretch. The "Leader" is apparently toying with the idea of turning ESPN2 into a late night talk show Sports haven which will include a "Daily Show" of Sports. From Deadspin via Broadcasting and Cable....
ESPN wants to build out a new late-night presence on ESPN2, but probably won't return to scripted programming anytime soon, according to senior network executives.The only thing that ESPN currently has going for itself is that the majority of its humor and talent already resides late night. The eleven o'clock Sports Center is the best thing on the network these days and I would definitely be interested in checking out what some of those personalities could come up with. The only problem is that ESPN already shot itself in the foot with the name "Frank Caliendo". I don't hate the guy but there is not a more stale act that you could tab these days.
ESPN2 is hoping to launch its hour-long late-night entry, ESPN Timeline, next April, but the ideal plan is to eventually expand to a 90-120-minute late-night block. ESPN has been soliciting and taking pitches for months for a more comedic-oriented potential companion show.
"It is something we would like to do," says John Skipper, ESPN executive VP of content.
But the first step would be to get Timeline up and running. The network has no format as of yet, but foresees a multi-person chatfest about the latest in sports. ESPN execs envision a panel of personalities, ranging from ESPN anchors to possibly a comedian well-versed in the sports world—along the lines of Frank Caliendo of Fox Sports and TBS.
Once Timeline is up and running, ESPN would like to add a more comedic-slanted show to follow it. A sports version of The Daily Show has been discussed.
"That's the holy grail," says ESPN senior vice president of content development and enterprises Keith Clinkscales. "But I don't know what it will be; it depends on talent. We remain open to different opportunities."
Oh wait....yes there is....Nick Bakay and/or the Sklar Brothers. And guess who routinely employs them? You got it.....ESPN. I also know they'd get Mike and Mike involved somehow.
ESPN to Go Deeper Into Late Night (Broadcasting Cable)
ESPN Still Desperately Wants To Be Cool Again (Deadspin)
15 Comments:
they should do a Red Eye (Fox News) type show, just off color and unapologetic
Wasn't developing a "late night presence" the goal of the disastrous experiment known as "Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith"?
I think they need a reality show. Take two groups of people with a standard set of rules in place, and let them compete to see who comes out victorious! Maybe even base the reality show on physical prowess. Like, call it "Who wants to win the baseball game?" or something like that. I'm just sayin ...
I have no faith that ESPN can do a late night show that's any good. These sorts of shows have to be funny, and ESPN simply isn't funny anymore. They're too corporate, would be too worried about offending the leagues, etc. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I would be.
Also, a "multi-person chatfest" sounds disastrous.
The only way I would watch is if they had some combination of Van Pelt, Buccigross and Everett. However, that would kill the enjoyment I get out of Sportscenter. Nevermind.
Did we forget about the "Mohr Sports" train reck from a few years ago? I don't have much confidence in this either.
This sounds an awful lot like an extremely longer version of The Sports Reporters...and no one watches that.
Bring Back Cheap Seats!
Advantage: Push. There are no winners here.
And I actually like Nick Bakay.
They do this format every night. It's called "SportsCenter."
Actually, Nick Bakay has been doing more stuff with NFL Network.
Ah, how I miss "The Forbidden Speedbag of Pain" NB Award.
Maybe the can give Cowherd the show since Van Pelt is already better on radio than he is.
The whole idea has disaster written all over it, but maybe they can bring failed stand-up comic Rich Eisen back when the NFL Network joins the WWL.
god I hate espn
Didn't FOX already do this? It's called "The Worst Damn Sports Show Ever Invented"
Perfect opertunity to bring back Craig Kilborn!