They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce marked a bold new chapter for the former Philadelphia Eagles star, as the beloved figure took his charisma and humor from the gridiron to the world of late-night television. While the premiere’s ratings didn’t break records, the show has sparked a unique kind of buzz that could signal long-term success.
A Modest Start in a Crowded Landscape
The show’s premiere, which aired last Saturday on YouTube, drew 290,000 viewers—a figure that falls short of expectations given Kelce’s widespread popularity and ESPN’s typical benchmarks. By comparison, the time slot previously hosted programs averaging 436,000 viewers, with some marquee events exceeding 700,000.
For additional context, popular streamer Kai Cenat recently garnered 712,600 peak concurrent viewers during a Twitch event featuring Kevin Hart and Druski, pulling in a staggering 4.95 million unique viewers over 11.5 hours.
Despite these comparisons, insiders at ESPN remain optimistic. The network sees Kelce’s debut as a foundation to build upon, leveraging his star power and relatability in ways that go beyond initial ratings.
The Premiere: Star Power and Kelce’s Signature Style
The debut episode featured a star-studded guest lineup, including rapper Lil Dicky, NBA legend Charles Barkley, and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger. True to his personality, Kelce brought a fresh, unscripted energy to the late-night format, eschewing rigid talk-show norms in favor of a more conversational and engaging approach.
Fans in the YouTube comments were quick to praise Kelce’s unorthodox style.
“Jason talking to the audience between sets and skits is strangely refreshing compared to how robotic and rigid the normal talk shows handle things. Good job changing it up!” one viewer wrote.
Another fan shared, “I’m a Commanders fan, but Jason Kelce has always been a fan favorite for any football fan. This platform is perfect for his personality.”
The family dynamic also stood out, with Kelce’s wife Kylie serving as the announcer. One fan summed it up: “It was fantastic! I love that Kylie is the announcer! It’s a Kelce world, and I love living in it!”
Beyond Traditional TV: A Digital-First Focus
Although traditional TV ratings may paint a modest picture, They Call It Late Night found traction in the digital realm. The full episode earned an additional 247,000 views on YouTube after its initial airing, with numbers continuing to climb.
This approach mirrors the success of Kelce’s New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Travis Kelce. With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers, the podcast became a cultural phenomenon, skyrocketing in popularity during Travis’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. By early 2024, New Heights was ranked as the fourth-largest podcast in the U.S.
A Family Affair
Jason Kelce’s wife, Kylie, has also entered the media world with her own podcast, Not Gonna Lie. Her debut episode soared past Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience to claim the top spot on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, further solidifying the Kelce family as a force in entertainment.
Looking Ahead
While the debut of They Call It Late Night may not have shattered records, the show’s unique format and Kelce’s charisma have resonated with fans, particularly in the digital space. ESPN is betting on Kelce’s ability to evolve and grow the show, much like his transition from NFL star to podcasting success.
With time, They Call It Late Night has the potential to carve out its own niche in the ever-evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media, further solidifying Jason Kelce’s post-NFL legacy.
