Inside a bustling television studio in London, the excitement is palpable as NFL fans cheer for the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship game. This lively atmosphere is part of the United Kingdom’s newest NFL show, Big Game Night, which launched on Channel 5 in September 2023. The program, hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Olympic gold medalist Sam Quek, has quickly gained attention for its unique blend of entertainment and sports analysis.
The set is a vibrant tribute to American football, adorned with Stars and Stripes and NFL memorabilia. A large plastic football is prominently displayed on goalposts at the center of the studio, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The show features a panel that includes Osi Umenyiora, a London-born Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, and NFL veteran Efe Obada, who engage in discussion alongside various celebrity guests.
During a recent live taping, The Athletic observed the dynamic between the hosts, the panel, and a cheering audience of around 30, including members of the Bristol Barracudas, the University of Bristol’s American football team. Audience members were treated to snacks and drinks as they prepared for an evening of entertainment, which included interactive games themed around American football.
Big Game Night distinguishes itself from other NFL shows in the UK. It combines family-friendly games with in-depth analysis, aimed at both newcomers and seasoned fans. O’Leary explained that the show’s concept aims to make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. “We don’t take as many commercial breaks as they do in the States,” he noted. “So the premise of this game show is what if, when they take a break, we come back and there’s a game show for as long as the break?”
As the countdown to the show’s live airing approached, the atmosphere intensified. The show’s hype man, Stuart Holdham, led the audience in cheers and clapping, setting the tone for the evening. The show aired at 19:30 GMT, with segments that included games such as “Let’s Get Ready to Fumble,” designed to keep the audience engaged during commercial breaks.
In addition to the entertainment, the program aims to provide insightful analysis for traditional fans. Umenyiora shared his perspective on the need to educate viewers about the complexities of American football. “I always think to myself, ‘OK, what would I want to see if I didn’t know anything about football?’” he stated. “It wouldn’t be just to know all the X’s and O’s.”
Despite its innovative approach, Big Game Night has faced challenges in attracting a broader audience. The show debuted with an average of 166,000 viewers, significantly lower than the timeslot’s average of 522,000 viewers. It typically garners between 100,000 and 150,000 viewers per week, reflecting the competitive landscape of sports programming in the UK.
As they prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled for February 11, 2024, O’Leary and Quek will be traveling to Santa Clara, California. There, they anticipate reaching their largest audience yet, despite the absence of a live studio audience.
O’Leary acknowledged the challenges of merging game show elements with sports commentary. “You’re never going to please all the people because it is a game show within a game,” he said. “What we tried to do is give a little bit of insight for people who are interested but aren’t completely au fait.”
Big Game Night aims to bridge the gap between casual viewers and dedicated fans, presenting American football in a way that is both engaging and informative. As the show continues to evolve, its hosts remain committed to enhancing the viewing experience and promoting the sport in the UK.