ESPN Introduces "They Call it Late Night with Jason Kelce"

The world of late-night television is set to welcome a new face. NFL star Jason Kelce, renowned as much for his sense of humor as his sporting prowess, will host his own late-night show for five weeks. The program, "They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce," draws its name from the first full-length NFL Films feature, “They Call It Pro Football," as a subtle homage.

Show Details and Format

Kelce’s late-night venture is scheduled for broadcast at 1:00 a.m. starting on January 4, continuing for five consecutive Saturday mornings through the Super Bowl season. The show aims to provide a blend of conventional and unconventional humor, as well as insights into the NFL world.

In their press release, ESPN stressed the show's appeal: a mixture of insight and humor hosted by a Super Bowl champion known for his charismatic persona. The hour-long program plans to use elements of traditional late-night television, interspersed with guest appearances from prominent football figures and a live audience of NFL fans.

The content will focus on the weekend’s football games, with Kelce and his guests diving deep into NFL topics and storylines in an engaging and light-hearted manner. Fans at the venue will also get an opportunity to interact during the show.

Recording Schedule and Future Prospects

While the show won’t be aired as a live broadcast, it will be recorded live-to-tape, several hours before the 1:00 a.m. ET timeslot. It also emphasizes that it will not merely be a 'highlight' show, but rather a comedic and interactive exploration of NFL topics.

If this pilot stint fares well, it’s plausible that the show could return, possibly with an extended season, or even throughout the year. Given the NFL’s ever-buzzing schedule and a dedicated audience with a never-ending appetite for football analysis and discussions, a full-season return seems promising.

However, ESPN’s press release, devoid of any quotes from Kelce, drew criticism for its corporate tone. The announcement of such an engaging show, critics argue, should embody its spirit—funny, self-deprecating, and filled with personality. To this end, a quote from Kelce himself would have been a fitting way to sell the new late-night football gem to eager fans.