Former Philadelphia Eagles standout, Jason Kelce, is set to become a late-night show host in Philadelphia, under the aegis of ESPN. This new venture comes as a surprise to many as Kelce, recently retired from his NFL career, switches gears to become a media personality. ESPN’s decision echoes the network’s continuous exploration of new ideas and formats. The specially curated program, dubbed ‘Late Night With Jason Kelce,’ is expected to hit the airwaves in January.
Instead of being aired live, ‘Late Night With Jason Kelce’ will be pre-recorded a few hours prior to its scheduled broadcast time, which is fixed at 1 a.m. for Friday nights with the premiere on January 3. Ensuring that viewers have regular content, ESPN has committed to running five episodes, with the season finale provisionally set for February 1st, albeit at a slightly shifted time of 1:30 AM.
One of the unique aspects of this Kelce’s late-night show will be its filming location: Union Transfer, positioned in the heart of Philadelphia. Each episode will be recorded in front of a live audience, a feature that holds its roots in traditional late-night shows and adds an unfiltered, spontaneous dimension to the program.
The content of ‘Late Night With Jason Kelce’ promises to be compelling, pledging an equal mix of wit, charm, and football talk. Viewers can expect an in-depth preview of the coming weekend’s NFL games coupled with the usual late-night mantle of special guest appearances. These are expected to be drawn from the NFL community, as well as from other walks of life.
The show’s development and production will be overseen by NFL Films, a longtime collaborator with ESPN. The inclusion of NFL Films ensures the show will pay homage to the classic elements of late-night television while furnishing it with contemporary appeal, as well as guaranteeing professional coverage and representation of the NFL world.
One underlying theme of the show is its wish to stay true to the ‘late night show’ vibe by including a live band. In keeping with the local flavor of the show, a Philadelphia-based group, Snacktime, will be the resident band, playing live, much to the delight of the audience.
The choice of the show’s title, ‘They Call it Late Night,’ holds a significant connection to the history of NFL Films. In 1967, NFL Films produced its first feature-length film, ‘They Call it Pro Football.’ This conscious echo of the past pays tribute to the rich traditions of NFL Films and subtly underlines Kelce’s roots as a footballer.
NFL Films shares a historical bond with Philadelphia, presenting further layers to the new show’s intricate narrative. It was born in the City of Brotherly Love, extending its operations only after achieving significant growth. Today, although its headquarters sit across the state border in New Jersey, the company’s origins remain a strong part of its identity.
‘Late Night With Jason Kelce’ serves as a fascinating evolutionary step both for ESPN and the overall landscape of the late-night television genre. With the movement away from traditional broadcasting channels and decline in viewership of linear TV, this show offers a fresh take on the established norms of late-night TV.
Choosing to film in Philadelphia, set apart from the traditional corridors of New York and Los Angeles, further sets the show apart. This decision will require guests to make a concerted effort to travel for their appearance on the show, underlining ESPN’s belief in the potential of this unique venture.
However bold and new it may be, investing in a vibrant personality such as Jason Kelce, known for his charismatic presence, is seen as an experiment worth taking for ESPN. A sports-centric late-night show may just be the recipe needed to lure an audience to its new streaming platform.
Currently, the program is viewed as an experiment and will run for a limited series of five episodes. However, if successful, it may pave the way for similar ventures in the future, and potentially spark novel formats in a space where novelty is a coveted commodity.
While airing at 1 a.m. may not be primetime, the show aims to attract more than just night owls. Replay broadcasts are also planned on ESPN2, ensuring a wider audience can get to see the charismatic Kelce in his new avatar.
While exact details on how the 1 a.m. time slot was chosen remain under wraps, the new show will not be in competition with ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel’s show. By giving Kelce this opportunity, ESPN is showcasing their belief in the power of unique voices like his to resonate with different segments of their audience.