Full Breakdown
Scott Van Pelt Remains in Late-Night Slot, ESPN's 5 p.m. Future Uncertain
4/9/2026, 3:26:28 PM
Scott Van Pelt's Decision on 5 p.m. Slot
Scott Van Pelt has officially announced that he will not be moving to the 5 p.m. time slot on ESPN, which was previously occupied by "Around the Horn." In a recent episode of his podcast, Van Pelt stated, “We’re not gonna change where we are, for the time being.” This decision follows extensive discussions with ESPN management, where he emphasized the success of his late-night SportsCenter, which has garnered ten Emmy nominations. Van Pelt expressed that the ratings and relationships he has built in his current role are significant factors in his decision to remain.
Background on the 5 p.m. Time Slot
The departure of "Around the Horn" after 23 years left a gap in ESPN's programming, which the network temporarily filled with generic SportsCenter episodes. Speculation about who would fill the slot included Van Pelt, alongside other candidates like Peter Schrager and Brian Windhorst. ESPN's Burke Magnus had suggested a dual role for Van Pelt, combining a daily show at 5 p.m. with his existing late-night responsibilities. However, Van Pelt found the lack of a clear concept for the new show unappealing.
The Future of ESPN's 5 p.m. Programming
With Van Pelt opting to stay in his late-night role, ESPN now faces the challenge of filling the 5 p.m. slot. Suggestions have emerged for a show featuring regular sports fans discussing sports in a relatable manner, potentially hosted by former "Good Morning Football" colleagues Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt. Their established chemistry could provide a strong lead-in to the popular "Pardon the Interruption" show hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.
Criticism & Opposition
While Van Pelt's decision has been met with support, there are calls for more diverse programming that includes voices of regular sports fans rather than solely former athletes and coaches. Critics argue that the current landscape lacks relatable content that resonates with everyday viewers.
Official Statements & Responses
In his podcast, Van Pelt remarked on the importance of his current role, stating, “I love doing the shows that I do after the big events because there’s nothing else like it.” This sentiment reflects his commitment to maintaining the quality and relevance of his late-night broadcasts, which he believes offer unique insights and timely interviews that would not be possible in a 5 p.m. format.
What's Next for ESPN?
As ESPN contemplates the future of its 5 p.m. programming, the network must consider innovative approaches to attract viewers. The potential for a show featuring relatable sports discussions could be a step toward revitalizing the time slot and engaging a broader audience. Meanwhile, Van Pelt's continued success in late-night programming underscores the value of established formats that resonate with viewers.
