If you’ve had enough of Frank Caliendo’s skits on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, I’ve got some bad news for you – Caliendo isn’t going anywhere. ESPN announced on Thursday that they had re-signed Caliendo to a multi-year extension that will prolong his role on the ESPN pregame show.
Via ESPN…
“Combining his unique humor and wit with football themes, Frank’s signature impressions add another layer to how Countdown covers the NFL,” said ESPN’s Seth Markman, senior coordinating producer who oversees the network’s NFL studio shows. “Frank’s work on the show has produced some very memorable moments in recent years and he continues to help us develop a connection with viewers.”
Caliendo also has something different lined up for his first segment on this Sunday’s edition of Countdown – he’s getting The Muppets involved.
For his first Countdown segment this Sunday, Sept. 13 (11 a.m. ET), Caliendo enlists the help of The Muppets – stars of the new ABC primetime series “The Muppets,” premiering Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. ET– to preview the new NFL season. While NFL teams welcome new teammates to their rosters, Caliendo welcomes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and other Muppets to the Countdown team as they discuss key storylines entering the 2015 campaign.
Some of the Caliendo segments have actually been pretty great, like when he read LeBron James’ “return to Cleveland” letter as Morgan Freeman or made NFL picks as Stephen A. Smith. Nevertheless, ESPN will likely get their share of eye rolls here from most viewers.
[ESPN]
