Nickelodeon is investing more of its resources into NFL content. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the ViacomCBS cable outlet and CBS Sports are launching a weekly football highlights show, NFL Slimetime, on Sept. 15.
Former NFL wide receiver and newly named CBS Mornings anchor host Nate Burleson hosts the show airing on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET. Teenage sports reporter Dylan Schefter (daughter of ESPN’s Adam Schefter) and Nick star Young Dylan are on the show with Burleson.
The show comes on the heels of the successful Nickelodeon NFL wild card game broadcast this past January featuring the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears.
“Our coverage of the NFL wild card game was literally a game-changer in so many ways, and the sensational response absolutely proved there’s huge demand for sports content with the kind of kids and family point of view that only Nickelodeon can deliver,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Nickelodeon, said about the deal.
ViacomCBS is “Nick-ifying” the highlights show with Nickelodeon’s unique themes along with other game footage, segments featuring youth football, and interviews with players.
“Together with Nickelodeon, CBS Sports is cultivating the next generation of NFL fans,” CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said. “Our inaugural NFL wild card game on Nickelodeon was an outstanding display of the power and the ability of ViacomCBS to continue to reach broader and younger audiences. We are thrilled to team up with the NFL and Nickelodeon this season, offering kids and families a full season of unique and unparalleled NFL content, including our second edition of the NFL wild card game on Nickelodeon.”
Burleson was a key voice on the January wild card game broadcast that brought in 2 million viewers. The contest was Nickelodeon’s most-watched program in almost four years.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with CBS Sports and Nickelodeon to present our game and content to young NFL fans and their families,” NFL Media executive VP and chief operating officer Hans Schroeder said. “Nickelodeon’s unique presentation of last year’s wild card game was a success, and we look forward to another playoff broadcast this year and a new weekly show for families to enjoy.”
