ESPN is reportedly tapping Peter Schrager for his own daily show. According to The Athletic, Big Day with Peter Schrager debuts September 10. The official announcement is expected soon after months of speculation regarding Schrager and the daypart.
What We Know: Big Day will be replacing SportsCenter in that hour, per the report. The show will run four days a week during college football season, then expands to five afterward. Fridays during college football season will include Bussin’ & Pate, hosted by Josh Pate, Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. Schrager joined ESPN last year after leaving NFL Network, where he helped build Good Morning Football, and has since appeared on many of ESPN’s daily debate shows.
What’s At Stake: This is an investment by ESPN back into developing studio programming after some time away from the creative model. Having a program surrounding more direct football coverage following Pat McAfee’s program seems like a destination for a home run.
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not confirmed the report. Also, it’s unclear the official make up of the show and its rotation of guest panelists.
What It Means: The move underscores ESPN’s continued bet on personality-driven programming. Schrager’s elevation signals confidence in him beyond pure NFL coverage. While Schrager will have the football season ahead, it will be interesting when we get to spring how the reception of the show becomes with no NFL or college football to speak of. Schrager has been getting reps in fill in roles on Get Up, First Take, and other studio programming. That should lend to a good balance once football season is complete.
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