Jason Kelce's ESPN Show: Touchdowns Meet Talk Show
Starting January 4, 2025, NFL star Jason Kelce will attempt to prove he’s more than just a football player with his late-night talk show, premiering at 1 a.m. because who needs sleep, right?
With his new show, 'They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,' set to air for five consecutive weeks on ESPN, the Super Bowl champion is gearing up to tackle late-night TV with the same ferocity he brings to the field. Featuring former NFL greats and celebrities as guests, the program promises to blend humor with Kelce’s signature personality—all while being broadcast at a time when only the most dedicated insomniacs and night owls will be tuned in. So, prepare your coffee pots and set those alarms because late-night football is about to get a whole new meaning.
Despite the late start time, the festivities will take place at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, where laughter and questionable decisions are bound to ensue. This particular venue is not only known for hosting concerts, but now, it will also serve as the backdrop for Jason Kelce's grand foray into the talk-show arena—a perfect location for a show that some may attend just to see if the chaotic energy of an Eagles game can be replicated in a studio setting.
The show effectively embodies the concept of 'comedic, personality-driven programming,' akin to traditional late-night television. One can only imagine what that could look like when you factor in NFL legends and coaches, whose opinions on football will be plentiful, but whose insights into celebrity gossip might be painfully lacking. Will these titans of sport discuss the intricacies of goal-line plans or solidify their place in the pantheon of late-night banter? Spoiler alert: it's likely going to be a mix of both.
Kelce has dabbled in various media spaces prior to this venture, from podcasts to commercials, and now he is ready to take on the mantle of late-night host. It's quite the leap from sharing locker-room banter to sharing a stage with guests who may or may not have a functioning sense of humor. The expectations are high, while the hours are suspiciously low.
Fans of the show can rejoice, as it won’t just be a solo gig for Kelce. The guests, promising a roster of former NFL stars and undefined celebrities, may just include faces fans will recognize more from the huddle than the Hollywood red carpet. Of course, those hoping to see someone acting as a celebrity (or future guest) are reminded that the best name drop could also amount to Jason's brother, Travis Kelce. However, during an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' Jason humorously wished that Travis couldn't make it due to prior commitments, which may lead us to ponder: could it be Taylor Swift that keeps him away?
Yes, you heard that correctly. Kimmel's jest about Travis potentially choosing his pop-star girlfriend over his brother's debut late-night showcase has everyone buzzing. Given the stars involved in the Kelce family, one can only dream of a hypothetical scenario where the show's ratings surge whenever they appear together. Regardless of whether Travis will attend to cheer on Jason or to steal the spotlight, the comedic potential remains tantalizing.
As for viewers wanting to catch the inaugural episode and all its shenanigans, the show will be available on ESPN+, along with ESPN's and Jason's very own YouTube channels. This makes it that much easier for insomniacs, football enthusiasts, and the general night owl population to tune in. Just make sure to stock up on whatever snacks you deem necessary for the 1 a.m. viewing party—because late-night munchies are practically a tradition, aren't they?
In what may delight potential attendees, the live taping of the show comes with the bonus of being free! Tickets will be up for grabs through 1iota starting in December. Now, if people can just contain their excitement until the new year, we may witness the largest congregation of football fans ever seen outside of an actual game. Will there be nachos? Probably not, but attendees can always aim for that 'dining under the stars' vibe, except the stars are former athletes who probably don’t need any more accolades.
As January approaches, fans will undoubtedly find themselves brimming with anticipation. It's a bold move to air a late-night talk show during a time when most are dreaming of touchdowns rather than punchlines, but if anyone can tackle the challenge, it's Jason Kelce. With his infectious laugh and larger-than-life personality, viewers may just find themselves tuning in for more than just the sports commentary. They may be eagerly waiting to see whether Jason can keep up with the comedic punches or if he’ll just stick to the game plan—taking advantage of whatever lives are left in his playbook.
In conclusion, 'They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce' promises an assortment of laughter, nostalgia, and potential family drama. As fans gear up for this uncharted territory of late-night television, perhaps it’s time to lay off the 10 p.m. bedtimes until the end of January. Who knows? The late-night comedy landscape may just find itself a bit brighter... or at least more fueled by caffeine and overcooked jokes.