Sky Sports cancel popular UK TV show Soccer AM after 30 years
Soccer AM, a popular show on Sky Sports, is set to be canceled by the network. The show has been on the network for nearly 30 years. According to the Evening Standard, network officials informed the show’s staff that there will only be 10 episodes left. The final show will air on May 27, one day before the end of the Premier League season.
“Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers,” a Sky spokesperson told the aforementioned British news outlet.
“We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
A popular, lighthearted take on the sport
The comedy/soccer show first launched in 1995 with Helen Chamberlain, Andy Goldstein, and Tim Lovejoy as presenters. Now, former Wigan, Fulham, and Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard stars on the series. Despite the sacking, Soccer AM is popular for their various segments throughout the broadcast. For instance, celebrities, current and former soccer players and fans regularly feature on the show.
One of the most recognizable segments on the show is the Car Park Game. Guests on Soccer AM must kick soccer balls through a series of holes or bins at a rapid pace. This has produced some glorious ‘goals’ and also more than few blunders over the years. Kevin Hart’s appearance on the show was a highlight in the latter category.
Sky Sports looking to freshen up again without Soccer AM
Sky has a history have tinkering with popular shows in recent years. For example, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson all departed Soccer Saturday as pundits in 2020.
Sky is likely putting Saturday Social in Soccer AM’s time slot. Network producers apparently want to feature more social media content in attempts to attract a younger audience.
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