Sports fans no longer need to watch the network showing the game in order to catch the latest analysis and hot takes after the clock runs out.
Former NFL players Emmanuel Acho and LeSean “Shady” McCoy may best be known by sports-TV aficionados for their time co-hosting Fox Sports programs like “Speak” and “The Facility.” Now they plan to launch a sports show they think is unlike anything offered by the biggest outlets.
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“We got cars that can drive themselves,” says Acho during a recent interview. “Are we still doing the same sports shows the same way?”
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Not on “Speakeasy.” This YouTube program turns up on social media after every NFL game, no matter whether the match-up was part of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” or one of the Christmas Day games slated to stream later this year on Netflix. The duo plan to launch Thursday with contributor Kieran Hickey-Semple, a TikTok creator and comedian.
Yes, football audiences may have to tune to a certain media outlet, says Acho, but chances are they are all checking out social media as they do. “The beauty of this show is we know where the 30 million people are. The 30 million people are all collectively watching a game together on social media. We are doing a show on social media. So it’s not not like I got to go find the viewers and say, ‘Hey, hey, hey, come here,'” Acho says. “No, they’re already right here. Now all I’m going to do is redirect them.”
The duo launch the show amid a sea change in sports TV. More established outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports are teaming up with influencers and digital personalities, reflecting how popular these stars have become with sports fans. Fox recently tapped Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy as a host for its college football studio show. ESPN is paying millions in licensing fees to outspoken Pat McAfee, whose “Pat McAfee Show” was already popular online. The Disney sports giant last week said it hired former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, who host a podcast called “Bussin’ With The Boys,” to contribute to morning program “Get Up,” which is hosted by network mainstay Mike Greenberg.
“Speakeasy” will stream live immediately after every Sunday, Monday and Thursday NFL game, and continue with additional studio episodes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A special edition will air Friday, Sept. 5, following the Chargers-Chiefs matchup in Brazil, which is planned to stream on YouTube. More live shows are planned for holiday games and for postseason play.
Viewers will see hosts and guests congregate in what looks like a lounge, all set in a West Hollywood studio. Acho, McCoy plan to mix thigs up with athletes, celebrity guests and fans, and everyone on set can respond instantly to remarks sent to them by viewers.
“You’ve got to think like a fan,” not a former player or TV host, says McCoy. “There’s a lot of fans that probably can’t catch a ball or run fast, but they all have a opinions, right? And after the game, the first thing that you give us is your opinion.”
The duo want to focus on launching the program and winning viewers. Over the longer haul, says Acho, “I also think there’s a clear path to licensing to some of these different networks that are hosting one or two games a year, but don’t have the infrastructure yet for daily shows. Amazon Prime has a Thursday night game, but they do not have a good slate of daily football content. So how do we even know to watch a Thursday night game?” he asks. “Think about Netflix for a moment. Christmas Day game. Gigantic game. Maybe the most watched game last year — not the Super Bowl — but they don’t have daily sports content. Shady and I just made it easier. Hey, don’t worry about a studio. Don’t worry about talent. Don’t worry about producers. Don’t worry worry about hair makeup wardrobe. Don’t even worry about union fees. Shady and I already did all the work for you.”
The series is executive produced by Acho and his production company, SpeakEsports LLC.
“It’s a sports show built for 2025. It’s a sports show built for the year that we’re in. It’s no longer sports analysts sitting in suits in the morning to get an audience,” says Acho. “Now we’re talking with you instead of at you.”