On Sunday, Channel 5 brought the NFL back to free-to-air TV in the UK. It first showed the New York Giants vs the Washington Commanders and then the Detroit Lions taking on the Green Bay Packers. As I explained the other day, the coverage is broken down into two parts: Big Game Night and 5NFL. It is the former I want to focus on.
Dermot O’Leary is the lead host of Big Game Night. Fans of the two teams playing in the match being shown take part in a variety of games during breaks in the action.
Before I carry on, let’s get a couple of things clear Firstly, O’Leary really is an absolute pro of a host. He keept the energy up at home and smoothly cut back to the broadcast in the US. I can’t imagine how many voices he must have in his ear. He really is unflappable and clearly a genuine American Football enthusiast.
Secondly, the format is NOT designed for NFL purists. That much was made clear when Joel Dommett came on as a guest. The comedian confesesd to knowing almost nothing about American football. Insstead, the show is for families and those dipping their toes into the NFL, perhaps for the first time. Former Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora repeatedly helped break down the rules and jargon, using the in-studio activities as a platform to do so.
Big Game Night is Cringe. That’s the Point.
Due to all of the above, Big Game Night is a bit cringe for those of us used to watching the more insidery style of the Sky Sports broadcast. However, it is far less intimidating, too. There is a tendency among British NFL fans to try and keep out newcomers, and this can seep it’s way into coverage. Like it or loathe it, Big Game Night is an antidote to that. I suspect it will help people, especially kids, get into the sport. That can only be a good thing.
Unfortunately for Channel 5, Giants vs Commanders was not a great game. The Commanders got a fairly straightforward win thanks to another horrible Giants performance. Over on Sky Sports, Jets vs Steelers was an epic. Given he success of Big Game Night will be somewhat dictated by the quality of American football on offer, that was not a great start. However, I suspect there will be some people that get into the in-studio capers too. They will hang around for that as well as the sport, particularly if they don’t have access to Sky Sports.
Week one is far too early to decide if something is going to be successful. Big Game night is not going to do Super Bowl numbers anyway. However, Channel 5 might have hit on a format that families can settle down to on a Sunday evening.
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Absolutely ridiculous and rubbish it’s now been televised on a Sunday NFL big game day from 1400 till 2130 🤔
It’s absolutely fabulous