ESPN learned the hard way that NFL fans don’t like waiting, or watching late-night promos mid-drive, especially when the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes are on the cusp of re-directing a slow early start to the season in the presence of a hidden Taylor Swift.
Monday Night Football viewers were promised a “special announcement,” but what they got first was Jimmy Kimmel. The tease came from Scott Van Pelt, who told the audience, “Coming up next, a special announcement about an upcoming Monday Night Football game”. It came after the pre-game build-up was interrupted to bring big breaking news.
After that, the broadcast cut straight to Kimmel, who appeared on screen promoting his show later that evening with comedian Tim Allen. Fans expecting a football update were instead treated to a network cross-promo, and the reaction online was instant.
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Viewers weren’t shy about saying exactly how they felt about being forced to sit through what they called ‘corporate filler’ and being angered by Kimmel’s presence.
One fan wrote, “Lol ESPN forcing commercials with Jimmy Kimmel.” Another added, “I was just enjoying some MNF until they decided to roll out Jimmy Kimmel. Buh-bye!”
“Why is the NFL using Jimmy Kimmel TV ads? He does not deserve it and should be off the air,” another wrote.
When the broadcast resumed after the break, ESPN announced the “Monsters Funday Football,” an animated, Monsters Inc.-themed alternate broadcast of the December 8 Eagles vs. Chargers game that falls in line with the 14 planned from the NFL and ABC broadcast deal.
It will be available on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney XD, Disney Channel, and the ESPN App.
But by then, the outrage had already spread. Tim Allen promoted his appearance on Kimmel’s show that same night, only to be met with his own wave of backlash online.
One fan asked, “Did you lose a bet?” Another commented, “You’re one of my favorites, but I’ve never watched Kimmel in my life—and I won’t start now.”
A third added, “You must be the only conservative Jimmy Kimmel has invited on his show in ten years. Make the most of it, Tim. Speak honestly!” A fourth fan joked, “There’s my Santa Claus,” referencing Allen’s iconic Christmas movie trilogy.
The Monday Night Football broadcast showcased the Washington Commanders versus the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman called the game from the booth, while Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge provided reports from the sidelines.
The game also featured the ManningCast on ESPN2 with Peyton and Eli Manning, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff as a guest.
