ESPN and Omaha Productions are set to launch the third season of Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, the alternate presentation colloquially known as the ManningCast. Former National Football League quarterbacks and Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning will take the air nine times throughout the 2023 regular season to bring fans their own spin on the Monday Night Football matchup, starting with the prime-time debut of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers against the Buffalo Bills.
Their slate includes a Super Bowl rematch in Week 11 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, along with a showdown between young quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence. Once the playoffs begin, Peyton and Eli will bring viewers their insight and perspectives during a Wild Card round matchup on Jan. 15, which is, of course, to be determined at a later date.
Despite Peyton Manning posting a photo where he was reading a binder labeled as having information about auditions for a third host, no such announcement has been made. In fact, the NFL posted a bit on how the auditions went, which featured Kirk Cousins, Mike Tyson and Reese Witherspoon.
Joining the broadcast this season will be an interactive touchscreen table, however, which will be situated from Peyton’s home-based studio in Denver, Colo. Using the device, he will be able to simulate game action by illustrating routes, strategies and formations. This addition will be equipped regularly over the course
The ManningCast was responsible for 19 of the 20 most-watched alternate game presentations from ESPN last year, becoming a cultural phenomenon and serving as a template for other entities looking to do similarly. The show contributed to the launch of The NBA in Stephen A’s World and The McCourty TwinCast among others as the appetite for niche presentations continues.
Telecasts will be available to watch on ESPN2, and there will be multiple simulcasts on ESPN+. During each broadcast, a star-studded list of guests will join the show for a unique conversation about topics ranging from football and beyond. NFL+ subscribers will also be able to access the broadcast with an NFL+ subscription, which includes access to NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
The NFL is in the first year of a 10-year extension with The Walt Disney Company, and is bringing back the lead Monday Night Football booth of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters for its second season together.
