In the wake of the FS1 cancellation of three of its weekday programs, the conversations have now shifted to what’s next for a number of the laid-off talent from FOX Sports. With the network pulling the plug on Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, there is still no word on which talent will remain with the network and who is leaving. However, today, Danny Parkins returned to the FS1 airwaves, filling in for Nick Wright on First Things First.
Parkins has served as co-host of Breakfast Ball alongside Mark Schlereth and Craig Carton since the show’s inception in August of last year. He left his position hosting afternoon drive on 670 The Score in an emotional final show with co-host Matt Spiegel on August 16 of last year.
Although Parkins did not address Breakfast Ball’s cancellation, he tweeted he will be filling in for Nick Wright for the next couple of days as Wright calls the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table.
So far, there has been no official word from FOX Sports on which talents the network plans to keep following the news on Monday. Nevertheless, Parkins’ appearance on Tuesday filling in for Wright may be a sign that he will be sticking with the network.
Importantly, the FS1 shakeup comes less than a year after network executives, under the guidance of then-EVP Charlie Dixon, reshaped the daily lineup to appeal to younger and more digitally engaged viewers. Consequently, this swift course correction highlights the volatility of sports television programming in an evolving media landscape.
What is known is that The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First featuring Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes will remain in their current time slots. Meanwhile, FS1 is expected to fill the vacated hours with new programming in the coming months, though no announcements have been made about what shows may replace the outgoing lineup.
Barrett Media attempted to reach Parkins for comment, but he has not responded to correspondence.
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