ESPN’s new late-night show, “They Call It Late Night With Jason Kelce,” struggled to find its footing with the premiere episode. The 60-minute debut featured a mix of overwrought gags and stilted conversation, which sold back to its audience segments stripped of any thrill.
The show failed to change feelings about Kelce’s omnipresence on NFL programming being grating. His above-average commentary on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” and successful podcast haven’t lost steam despite his absence from the Eagles locker room.
Kelce walked through a crowd, had a drink squirted into his mouth, and stepped into a “portal” to meet other talk-show hosts. However, these cheap gags didn’t hold up well. The show also featured a segment on the importance of Sunday’s Lions-Vikings game, where Kelce struggled to get personal with guests Charles Barkley, Brian Baldinger, and Lil Dicky.
Kelce’s attempt at a casual vibe fell short, with moments feeling forced or rehearsed. The show ended with a beer-chugging competition that lasted under two seconds. Despite aiming for a real conversation, the premiere episode failed to deliver an engaging viewing experience.
Source: https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2025/01/04/reviewing-premiere-episode-of-they-call-it-late-night-with-jason-kelce/77434897007