Closing night for 'Inside the NFL'
Here is a story about the final episode of "Inside the NFL" on HBO for which there was not room in the Friday newspaper:
HBO’s “Inside the NFL’’ went the way of many cultural institutions: It was comforting to know it was there, like an old sweater in the back of the closet, but it became too easy to overlook.
Like many sports fans, I often forgot to watch, because by Wednesday, what’s the point? But the series finale – it reruns five times beginning Thursday night – was a reminder of what kept the show alive for 31 seasons.
The NFL Films recap of the Super Bowl is a treat for avid fans, with highlights such as Michael Strahan exhorting the offense by (correctly) anticipating the final score and this pre-game exchange between Tom Coughlin and referee Mike Carey:
Carey: “How was the frostbite [in Green Bay]? That was pretty cold, wasn’t it?’’
Coughlin: “At least they’re talking about my face this year; last year, it was my ass.’’
For HBO, though, buzz and uniqueness count more than ratings, and the show eventually ceased being worth the effort and cost, including fees to the NFL.
That led to what host Bob Costas called the “boneheaded decision’’ to pull the plug.
It likely will resurface elsewhere, but the signature HBO days are over.
“It was time to call it a day,’’ HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg said. “We believe and we’ll always believe we have the best pro football show on television, but maybe that’s just not good enough.’’
Said long-time host Nick Buoniconti, “It’s a whole different world. It’s a convoluted world, a congested world . . . ‘Inside the NFL’ is a victim because it’s [perceived as] just another highlights show.’’
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Comments (6)
it's a damn shame HBO is pulling a great show. without having the NFL Network, there was no where else to get the great NFL Films highlights that the show always focused on. it was also the best place to get a collinsworth fix without having to deal with olberman and tiki.
Agree with you J2B,
This was a really great show and it probably will be going to the NFL Network they own the rights to the NFL films so why pay HBO to air it when they can? The million dollar question is will they keep the format the same?8 stay tuned for that .
It was a great show, and I started watching it again last year when "FNIA" bumped NFL Prime Time.
If HBO wants buzz, they should do a "Playmakers" type show. Unlike ESPN, HBO should be immune to pressure from the NFL.
I wonder how much the show may be hurt with commercials? BTW I'm sure everyone is all heartbroken that the television cultural icon "WWE Smackdown" will be cancelled by the CW after this season.
This has to be Ross Greenburg's dumbest move since greenlighting that horrific doc on Mickey Mantle, Does this also mean no more "Hard Knocks"?
CMG: Ross told me he would like to continue Hard Knocks.