Jason Kelce's late-night television debut divides fans: 'This is painful to watch'

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: After a successful football career, Jason Kelce is trying his hands at hosting a late-night talk show.

The debut one-hour episode of 'They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce', a five-episode series produced by NFL Films and ESPN, was taped on Friday, January 3, in front of a live audience at the Philadelphia concert venue Union Transfer. It aired at 1 am ET on Saturday on ESPN.

While some fans of the former Philadelphia Eagles center were impressed with his wit and charm, others thought the execution was a bit rough. 

Jason Kelce says he has always been a fan of late-night TV

Taking the stage, Jason Kelce reminisced about watching late-night TV as a child. He told the live crowd, "I used to love Conan [O'Brien] as a kid. Now I'm up here doing my own show. I was not lying up there. I used to love watching late-night TV growing up. I've always been a fan of late-night TV. When I played, I tried to get better sleep hours," as per philadelphiaeagles.com. 

"But there's something beautiful in all of the coordination and everything that happens with the show like this, and you feel like you really get to know people, especially when it's on repeatedly like that," Kelce noted.

The debut episode also included guests like former basketball player Charles Barkley, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, and Philadelphia rapper Lil Dicky (David Burd).

"I had Dave on my podcast, Charles on my podcast, and have known all these guys for a while. So, it was very comfortable, and I knew all of these guys can talk about anything. It's not always going to be like that," the 37-year-old said.

'They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce' will air on Saturdays at 1 am ET on ESPN. Full episodes will also be uploaded on Kelce's YouTube channel at 8 am each Saturday during the show's five-week run.

Fans share their thoughts on Jason Kelce's late-night talk show debut

Meanwhile, many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their views on Jason Kelce's latest gig.

An excited fan said, "Watching the late night show; epic entrance, fun vibe & great skits thus far! The timing and tempo could be tighter… like football, you’re gonna get better and better! Your sincerity and huge personality comes across to viewers. Will keep watching!"

"Love Jason but this show is brutal," another fan expressed, while one more wrote, "Tried to watch - couldn’t. Most cringe thing I’ve seen in quite awhile." 

Another person shared, "Watching now …. 10:32 Cali time .. so far loving it !👍🏻," while an individual added, "The first segment was a bit rough but it’s MUCH improved when he has others to interact with. Enjoying the discussion and will keep watching. Give it time…."

One admirer stated, "Fun show so far! Love that Kylie's the announcer. Could tell he was a little nervous, understandably, but he's hitting his stride and it's going to be fun!" 

"This is painful to watch, especially before the guests came out. I hope for humanities sake they fix this before it aires again or cancel it," wrote a person who clearly wasn't thrilled with the show.

A naysayer declared, "Enough of this dude. And his brother. I don’t get it, they aren’t interesting."  

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