When I first heard that the NFL Network was going to be launching a live morning show which started at 6am, I was excited. Finally, an option to ESPN. I was going to wait until the end of the first week to write a review of NFL AM, but by 8 a.m. this morning, I found myself back over on ESPN watching Mike and Mike. The premise of the show is fantastic, and perhaps the show will include more meat once the actual season starts, but the show needs some tweaking in order to make it watchable.
Aesthetically speaking, the set looks as if the show is being broadcast from the middle of an Ikea store. The stark yellow of the main desk contrasts with the video board behind the hosts. The bookcases behind the desk are filled with too much clutter. Why not a clean set like the network’s nighttime show, Total Access?
Since most people that watch the NFL Network are hardcore fans, I expected more substance. I enjoy several programs on the network and have been watching training camp coverage every day. However, the “news” coverage for NFL AM seems to be directed at the more casual fan. There is far too much repetition of news.
There appears to be a forced chemistry between the hosts. I realize that the show is just two days old, but there is either genuine chemistry or not right out of the gate. There are too many awkward moments between the hosts. Mark Kriegel seems to mesh with the other hosts about as well as Ann Curry did with Matt Lauer on the Today Show. Too many arguments erupt with multiple people talking over one another. I do enjoy the interview segments.
I am an avid NFL Network viewer. This time of the year, the network is on about 12 hours per day in my house. I watch every NFL pre-season game, but they have missed the mark on the launch of this program. I’m going to give the network some time to iron out the bugs. I hope that the content will pick up once actual games begin. The concept is great but the current product needs some adjusting.
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