The Most Popular Show on ESPN, Ranked

Choose the show you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:49
In the swirling world of sports broadcasting, every fan seems to have their unique preference for which show captures the essence of the game best. Yet, amidst these varied opinions, a common question persists: which show truly holds the crown for engaging the most viewers? By ranking the most popular shows on ESPN, fans gain a clearer insight into what fellow viewers are watching and why they consider it superior. This dynamic tally isn't just for bragging rights; it’s a tool for viewers to shape the future of sports broadcasting. By voting for their favorite shows, fans contribute to a collective voice that can influence program schedules and content. It's also a fantastic way for new viewers to pinpoint which shows might resonate with their sports-loving hearts.

What Is the Most Popular Show on ESPN?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    This is the flagship program of ESPN, which covers all the highlights, scores, and news from the world of sports. It has been on the air since 1979 and is watched by millions of viewers every day.
    SportsCenter is a widely acclaimed sports news television show that airs on ESPN. It provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of the latest sports news, highlights, scores, and updates from various sports leagues and events worldwide. The show features a dynamic team of anchors and analysts who deliver breaking news, interviews, and in-depth features.
    • First Aired: September 7, 1979
    • Genre: Sports news
    • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
    • Format: Television series
    • Language: English
  2. 2
    27
    votes

    Monday Night Football

    Roone Arledge
    This is a weekly NFL game broadcast on Monday nights during the football season. It has been a staple of ESPN's programming since 2006 and is one of the most-watched sports programs on television.
    Monday Night Football is a popular television program that airs on ESPN. It is a live broadcast of a National Football League (NFL) game played on Monday nights during the regular season. The show features a unique and electrifying atmosphere with a primetime slot, attracting a wide audience of football fans.
    • Format: Live broadcast of NFL game
    • Airtime: Monday nights
    • Broadcast network: ESPN
    • Debut: September 21, 1970
    • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    College GameDay

    Lee Fitting
    This is a pre-game show that airs on Saturdays during the college football season. It features in-depth analysis, predictions, and highlights of the day's games. It is one of the most popular shows on ESPN and has a dedicated following.
    College GameDay is a popular show on ESPN that covers college football games. It features analysis, predictions, and discussions about upcoming matchups, player performances, and team strategies. The show also includes segments on notable college football stories and traditions.
    • First aired: August 28, 1987
    • Broadcast network: ESPN
    • Format: Sports talk, analysis
    • Hosts: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, David Pollack, Maria Taylor
    • Locations: Various college campuses across the United States
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    First Take

    Jamie Horowitz
    This is a talk show that features debates and discussions about the latest sports news and events. It is hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman and is known for its lively and sometimes heated debates.
    First Take is a popular sports talk show on ESPN that focuses on debate and discussion of the biggest sports topics of the day. The show features a panel of expert analysts, athletes, and celebrity guests who weigh in on various sports-related issues. First Take often covers trending stories, controversies, and game predictions, providing viewers with insightful perspectives and engaging arguments.
    • Network: ESPN
    • Debut Year: 2007
    • Format: Sports talk show
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Hosts: Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, Molly Qerim
    First Take in other rankings
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    This is a pre-game show that airs before NBA games on ESPN. It features analysis, highlights, and predictions for the day's games. It is popular among basketball fans and is one of ESPN's most-watched programs.
    NBA Countdown is a popular show on ESPN that provides in-depth analysis, discussions, and highlights of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It offers pre-game, half-time, and post-game coverage of various NBA matchups, including regular season and playoff games. The show primarily focuses on expert analysis, player insights, and predictions from a panel of basketball analysts and former NBA players.
    • Air Time: Varies depending on the NBA game schedule
    • Host: Michelle Beadle
    • Analysts: Jalen Rose, Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce
    • Format: Studio-based discussion and analysis
    • Segments: Expert analysis, player interviews, game highlights
  6. 6
    29
    votes
    This is a sports talk show that features two hosts, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, discussing the latest sports news and events. It has been on the air since 2001 and is known for its fast-paced and entertaining format.
    Pardon the Interruption is a sports talk show that debates and analyzes the biggest stories and topics in the world of sports. The show features lively discussions and debates between two hosts with differing opinions.
    • Air Date: October 22, 2001
    • Network: ESPN
    • Duration: 30 minutes
    • Format: Debate/Talk Show
    • Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
    Pardon the Interruption in other rankings
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This is a daily show that covers the latest news, highlights, and scores from the world of baseball. It is popular among baseball fans and is one of the most-watched programs on ESPN during the baseball season.
    Baseball Tonight is a popular show on ESPN that focuses on providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the latest Major League Baseball (MLB) games, news, and highlights. The show primarily aims to keep fans up to date with the latest developments in the world of baseball.
    • Genre: Sports
    • Language: English
    • Broadcast Network: ESPN
    • Format: Sports news and analysis show
    • Hosts: Various ESPN analysts and former MLB players
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    NFL Live

    ESPN
    This is a daily show that covers the latest news, highlights, and scores from the NFL. It is popular among football fans and is one of the most-watched programs on ESPN during the football season.
    NFL Live is a popular sports talk show that airs on ESPN. It focuses on the National Football League (NFL) and provides in-depth analysis, commentary, and insider information about the latest news and developments in the world of football.
    • Genre: Sports talk show
    • Channel: ESPN
    • Air time: Daily
    • Host(s): Various ESPN analysts and former NFL players
    • Duration: 1 hour
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    Mike & Mike

    Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
    This was a popular sports talk show that aired on ESPN radio and television from 2000 to 2017. It featured hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic discussing the latest sports news and events. It was known for its humor and chemistry between the hosts.
    Mike & Mike is a sports talk radio show that originally aired on ESPN. The show features hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic discussing various sports topics, including analysis, interviews, and commentary. The show's format includes regular segments such as 'Who's Gonna Get Fired?' and 'Tales From the Hood.' Mike & Mike provides a mix of entertainment and informative discussions for sports enthusiasts.
    • Airing Network: ESPN
    • Format: Radio show
    • Duration: 4 hours
    • Broadcast Schedule: Weekday mornings
    • Debut Date: October 12, 1998
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Around the Horn

    Max Kellerman
    This is a sports talk show that features four sports writers discussing the latest sports news and events. It is known for its competitive format, in which the writers earn points for their arguments and are eliminated if they have the lowest score.
    Around the Horn is a popular sports talk and debate show that airs on ESPN. It features a panel of four sports journalists who present, discuss, and debate various topics in a fast-paced and competitive format. The show initially premiered in 2002 and continues to be a favorite among sports fans and enthusiasts.
    • Duration: 30 minutes
    • Airtime: Weekdays at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
    • Host: Tony Reali
    • Number of panelists: 4
    • Scoring system: Points awarded based on quality of argument
    Around the Horn in other rankings

Missing your favorite show?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular show

  1. Viewership ratings
    The number of viewers who tune in to watch the show is a good indicator of its popularity.
  2. Time slot
    Shows that air during prime-time slots or during peak viewing hours are more likely to have higher ratings and viewership.
  3. Fan base
    Shows that appeal to a broader audience or have a dedicated fan base tend to be more popular.
  4. Social media engagement
    Shows that generate more buzz and have a higher level of engagement on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram could indicate a larger audience and higher popularity.
  5. Awards and nominations
    Shows that have won awards or received nominations for their content, production, or other areas could indicate high quality, which can lead to higher popularity and viewership.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular show on ESPN. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 8426 views
  • 164 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular show on espn

When it comes to sports broadcasting, ESPN is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the industry. With a wide range of shows covering everything from football to basketball, there's something for every sports fan on ESPN. But which show is the most popular? That's a question that has been debated by fans for years. Some argue that the flagship program SportsCenter is the top dog, while others claim that programs like First Take or NFL Live are the real fan favorites. Whatever your opinion may be, one thing is for sure - ESPN has a loyal and dedicated fan base that can't get enough of their favorite shows. So, what is the most popular show on ESPN? Let's take a closer look at the numbers and find out.

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