The search to complete the “ManningCast” trio is over, but there won’t be anyone familiar joining the famous football brothers for Monday Night Football. Front Office Sports Michael McCarthy reports that no one is tagging along with Eli and Peyton Manning for their alternate broadcasts on ESPN2.
Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and ESPN realized that they wouldn’t find the right fit to gel in with the brothers and decided the two could carry the broadcasts on their own. Both have flourished in the limelight their whole careers and have experience hosting TV shows like Saturday Night Live.
McCarthy noted that both of the brothers have “shined” during rehearsals
“The Mannings are the stars of this show. As brothers, they have a natural chemistry. It’s hard to just become a part of that family history,” a source said to McCarthy. “It’s supposed to be free-wheeling unstructured. It will be like you’re sitting at the bar watching the game with the Mannings.”
The two brothers are rolling out the telecast for ten games this season starting on September 13. Different guests such as former players and celebrities join the duo as they broadcast from a remote location together some weeks and apart during others.
“This partnership with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company reflects an ongoing, shared commitment to offering fans fun, innovative content,” Peyton Manning said last month. “ESPN+ has been a terrific partner for Omaha Productions as we built out The Places franchise, and we’re excited to co-create a new MegaCast format that will have something for everyone.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was an early candidate to join the two on the telecast but the only stars of this show are Peyton and Eli. One source described the situation to McCarthy as one where “Peyton has veto power,” over the production.
This telecast is a new addition to ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” coverage, but the ESPN broadcast crew will stay the same for a consecutive year.