Jason Kelce faced a rough start in his new role as a late-night talk show host, with his ESPN debut, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, receiving mixed reviews and sparking debate among NFL fans. The show aired at 1 a.m. ET on Friday and featured appearances by his wife, Kylie, parents Ed and Donna, and even a special cameo from seasoned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. However, while some viewers appreciated the effort, others found the show awkward and lacking humor.
A Star-Studded Philadelphia Lineup
The premiere leaned heavily into its Philadelphia roots, with NBA legend Charles Barkley, former Eagles star Brian Baldinger, and rapper-comedian Lil Dicky joining Kelce.
The episode kicked off with Kelce donning a Mummers Parade costume, a nod to Philadelphia tradition, as he drove around the city and engaged in humorous banter with various locals.
But despite the familiar faces and city pride, viewers were divided. Some appreciated the unique take, while others criticized the show for its pacing and humor. Kelce’s wife, Kylie, played a prominent role as the show’s announcer, stationed in a segment called “Kylie’s Korner.” Their candid banter, filled with playful expletives, set the tone for the evening, with Kelce jokingly asking, “Holy s***… how did we get here?”
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Highlights and Controversy
The show included a mix of comedy sketches, football commentary, and fan interactions. One standout moment featured Kelce chugging beers with audience members, a nod to his well-known personality off the field. The panel also tackled NFL hot topics, such as the Eagles’ controversial decision to rest Saquon Barkley. However, the mix of football analysis and humor didn’t resonate with everyone.
While some viewers found the show refreshing, others were less impressed.
- “That Jason Kelce show is the worst thing I’ve watched on television since ever,” one critical viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
- Another wrote, “This should be the first and last episode of this Jason Kelce talk show.”
- Some even took aim at ESPN, accusing the network of “trying to market Jason Kelce as a comedian,” calling it “extremely sad.”
Fans Who Enjoyed the Show
Not all feedback was negative. Several fans defended the effort, pointing out that the show had its moments.
- “If you’re not watching Jason Kelce’s new ESPN late-night show right now, then you’re missing out!” one enthusiastic viewer wrote.
- Another added, “The first ten minutes were kinda painful to watch (although it had a few funny moments), but I’m starting to like it now that they’re actually talking football.”
- A third fan noted, “The raw football talk with Jason Kelce is fantastic. The scripted parts? Not so much.”
Missing Key Presence
One notable absence was Kelce’s younger brother, Travis Kelce, who co-hosts the wildly popular New Heights podcast with Jason. Fans speculated that Travis’ presence could have brought the humor and chemistry needed to elevate the show’s debut.
Looking Ahead
Jason Kelce remains optimistic about the show’s future, acknowledging that his first foray into late-night television might not have been flawless. “I’ve always believed in taking risks and trying new things,” Kelce shared after the premiere. “This was about bringing a little Philly, a little football, and a lot of fun to late-night TV. There’s always room to grow.”
While the debut of They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce was met with mixed reviews, its unique blend of football insights and offbeat humor might find a loyal audience with time.
For now, the NFL star seems ready to tackle the feedback head-on, just as he’s done throughout his illustrious career on the gridiron.
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