Get ready, Philadelphia! Jason Kelce, the beloved former Eagles star and current analyst for Monday Night Countdown, is stepping into the late-night spotlight. That’s right-he’s launching his very own show on ESPN, and it’s set to debut this January right in his hometown. Kelce shared the exciting news during an appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Titled They Call It Late Night With Jason Kelce, the show will air at 1 a.m. during the Friday/Saturday overnight hours, kicking off on January 3/4. Fans can catch it on ESPN, ESPN+, and the official YouTube channels for both ESPN and Jason Kelce, significantly broadening its audience. ESPN has ordered five episodes, with the last one scheduled for February 1, airing at 1:30 a.m.
Filming will take place at Union Transfer in Philly, complete with a live audience. The show promises a “personality-driven” format, drawing inspiration from classic late-night television while focusing on that weekend’s NFL games. Expect celebrity guests from the football world and beyond! NFL Films, along with Kelce’s Wooderboy Productions and Skydance Sports, will be behind the scenes.
Though the show won’t be live-it’ll tape a few hours before airing-it will capture the essence of traditional late-night shows, featuring a live band, Philly’s own Snacktime, and interactive segments with the audience of football fans. The title is a fun nod to They Call It Pro Football, the first feature-length film produced by NFL Films back in 1967, which has its roots in Philadelphia.
Late-night TV will welcome a new host in 2025. Jason Kelce announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Thursday night that his new ESPN late show will air Friday nights starting January 3rd. pic.twitter.com/VZYHp13Q7Z
— LateNighter (@latenightercom) November 22, 2024
Kelce’s show aims to revitalize late-night tv
This venture is an exciting move for ESPN, especially as late-night formats are evolving. With fewer viewers tuning into traditional TV, Kelce’s show offers a refreshing take, filming outside the usual New York and Los Angeles hubs. Guests will need to make a special trip to Philly, adding to the charm.
Kelce’s vibrant personality made him a sought-after media figure after his NFL retirement earlier this year. He signed with ESPN for their Monday Night Football studio show and co-hosts the popular podcast New Heights with his brother, Travis Kelce, who is also making waves in Hollywood.
Jason Kelce is becoming a quarterback of late-night sports entertainment TV, launching a new show — “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce” — that will air five consecutive Friday Nights beginning January 3 and throughout the NFL playoffs. pic.twitter.com/qswwaar61g
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2024
