tebowskip

Tonight, in a decision that blows a hole in the space-time continuum, ESPN takes its morning debate show First Take to primetime.  ESPN will air a half hour special entitled #TebowTakesManhattan at 7:00 PM.  Here’s the announcement from Bristol:

This Friday evening, Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith will bring their unique style of sports debate to primetime with a special presentation of First Take – #TebowTakesManhattan.  With the controversial quarterback making his move to the Big Apple following the Manning deal to the Broncos, Bayless and Smith will discuss Tebow’s likely role with Gang Green, options both sensible and senseless, and the overall impact this move will have on the future of both Tim Tebow and the New York Jets.  First Take – #TebowTakesManhattan will air at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN this Friday, March 23.  Fans can join in the conversation with #TebowTakesManhattan on Twitter.

Excuse me while I wipe my lunch off my laptop screen for a moment.  

Instead of spending more brainpower trying to understand this move or the appeal of Skip Bayless saying the same things about Tim Tebow for the 187th day in a row to any mammals capable of rational thought, I thought it would be helpful to you, our faithful readers, to share other viable viewing options in case you have nothing else to do on a Friday night at 7 PM…

ESPN2 – NFL Live

On second thought… let’s skip this one.  

ESPNEWS – Pardon The Interruption

In case you missed it at 5:30, why not actually spend your time watching one of the best programs ESPN has, and one of the best sports shows ever created.  If you saw it at 5:30, watch it again, and be thankful Skip Bayless hasn’t totally corrupted everything ESPN does.

ESPN Classic – 1991 WBO Light Welterweight Title – Hector Camacho vs Greg Haugen – I

The first of two split decisions between the fighters, this 1991 bout sees Haugen upset the undefeated Camacho after Camacho refused to touch gloves at the beginning of the 12th round and received a point deduction.  If anything else, it would be nice to reminisce about a time when people actually cared about boxing.

ESPNU – NCAA Hockey Championship presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Massachusetts Lowell vs. Miami (Ohio)

ESPN BROADCASTING A LIVE GAME OF HOCKEY, OMG!!!  A rare and historic moment like this can’t be ignored.  This first round East regional game sees UMass-Lowell make its first tourney appearance since 1996 and features a fantastic matchup of River Hawks vs RedHawks.  Miami (OH) features Hobey Baker finalist Reilly Smith.

Golf Channel – LPGA Kia Classic Second Round

The best ladies golfer in the world, Yani Tseng, shares the lead at the Kia Classic after Round 1.  Tseng is #1 in the world and is the youngest golfer, male or female, to win five majors.  She’s one of the best athletes you probably haven’t seen too much of, so tune in and sound smart when your friends ask you about the most dominant athletes in sports.  

Speed Channel – Sprint Cup Qualifying

NASCAR heads to Fontana this week.  If cars driving around in circles isn’t your thing, why not take a small step and focus on enjoying only one car doing it at a time?

Tennis Channel – 100 Greatest of All Time: 10-1

The Tennis Channel counts down the ten best players of all time.  No joke, this should seriously be worth watching.

Outdoor Channel – Fishing Frontier

What better peaceful alternative to the yelling and screaming of ESPN’s loudest bloviators than some relaxing fishing outside Alaska. 

NBC Sports Network – Sports Biz: Game On!

Why not help our friend Darren Rovell on an early Spring Friday evening?  His Friday night show on NBCSN could use some ratings help, seeing as how his viewership is hovering around 4% of his Twitter following.  If that’s not appealing though, there are non-sports viewing options too!

USA – Law & Order:SVU
TNT – Law & Order
Cloo – Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Because what the world really needs is another Law & Order spinoff.

truTV – World’s Dumbest Shoppers

Yes, truTV shows more than basketball!  World’s Dumbest Shoppers is the kind of high quality television truTV doesn’t get enough credit for.  Celebrity contributors include Tonya Harding, Danny Bonaduce, and Gary Busey.  That screams winner.  It’s not Lizard Lick Towing, but still…

GSN – The $100,000 Pyramid

I was more of a Press Your Luck kind of guy, but it’s nice to remember Dick Clark in his prime.  The Pyramid was a solid, reliable game show.  It was the Hines Ward of game shows.

A&E – Storage Wars

We all know Dave Hester is much more likeable than Skip Bayless.  YUUUUUUUP!!!

H2 – Nostradamus Effect

Watch and find out if Tebowmania and Timsanity was in the plans of the greatest prognosticator of them all in his end of days predictions.  I’m willing to say yes.

Animal Planet – Country Justice

“Sheriffs of West Virginia with their K-9 partners.”  Yes, please.  So this is what Kevin Pittsnogle is doing with his life.  Good for him.

OWN – The Rosie Show

Just to give you perspective and realize Skip Bayless isn’t the most detestable television personality in the world.  Incredibly, shockingly, the show has already been cancelled.  ESPN, here’s your opportunity to finally give Skip Bayless the debate partner he deserves.

And, if none of those viewing options are your cup of tea… the NCAA Tournament tips off tonight at 7:17.  Thank you Baby Jesus.