Jason Kelce, the beloved former Philadelphia Eagles center, is set to tackle a new challenge in his post-NFL career. The charismatic sports icon will host “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” a groundbreaking late-night show premiering on ESPN starting January 3, 2024.
The five-episode series will beam live from Philadelphia’s Union Transfer, bringing a fresh perspective to the late-night landscape. Each one-hour episode will air at 1 a.m. ET on consecutive Fridays, with the final show scheduled for February 1.
“I loved late-night shows, I’ve always loved them,” Kelce shared during his announcement on Jimmy Kimmel Live! “I remember sleepovers watching Conan O’Brien with my friends.” The former NFL star’s enthusiasm for the format shines through as he prepares to welcome an impressive lineup of guests, including football legends, former teammates, coaches, and celebrities.
The show’s title pays tribute to NFL Films’ first feature-length production, “They Call It Pro Football,” from 1967. This homage feels particularly fitting given NFL Films’ Philadelphia roots and legendary status in sports documentation.
Philadelphia’s own SNACKTIME will serve as the house band, adding local flavor to the production. The show promises to be more than just another talk show, featuring unique segments that tap into Kelce’s natural charm and football expertise.
Viewers can expect a mix of sports analysis, entertainment, and the authentic personality that has made Kelce a fan favorite both on and off the field. ESPN is making sure the show reaches viewers across multiple platforms. In addition to its original broadcasts on ESPN, episodes will be available on.
- ESPN+
- ESPN’s YouTube channel
- Jason Kelce’s YouTube channel
- ESPN2 (replay broadcasts)
This venture is part of Kelce’s broader partnership with ESPN, where he currently appears on “Monday Night Countdown” providing game analysis. The show’s timing strategically aligns with the NFL season’s most exciting period, running through the last week of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Behind the scenes, the show represents a collaborative effort between NFL Films, Kelce’s Wonderboy Productions, and Skydance Sports. This partnership combines decades of sports entertainment expertise with Kelce’s fresh perspective on the game.
The move is exciting in Kelce’s career and the late-night television landscape. After retiring from a stellar 13-season NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce has quickly established himself as one of sports media’s most compelling voices. His successful podcast “New Heights,” co-hosted with brother Travis Kelce, has already demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences beyond the football field.
The timing and format of the show appear to be carefully considered. The 1 a.m. timeslot avoids direct competition with traditional late-night programming while creating a unique destination for sports fans looking for entertainment during the crucial NFL playoff period.
Industry observers note this as a strategic move by ESPN to diversify its content and attract younger viewers. By combining traditional late-night elements with sports-focused content and Kelce’s magnetic personality, ESPN hopes to create something unique in the television landscape.
For Kelce, who has already proven himself as one of the NFL’s most colorful personalities, this new venture represents another step in building his media empire. Between his ESPN appearances, podcast success, and this late-night show, he’s quickly becoming one of sports media’s most versatile talents.
As January approaches, all eyes will be on this unique experiment in sports entertainment. If successful, “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce” could reshape how we think about sports programming and late-night television.