CBS Sports Revives Champions League Studio Panel

CBS Sports has relaunched its Champions League studio show on the Paramount+ streaming platform, bringing back the regular panel of Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards. The four-person team, now filming from a studio in the United Kingdom, aim to deliver a mix of analysis, banter and “sibling-like” irritation that they say resonates with American viewers while remaining authentic.

The Guardian

Since UEFA awarded U.S. broadcast rights to CBS in 2021, the network has sought to elevate the competition’s profile, which previously rotated among ESPN, Fox Sports and Turner Sports from 2008 to 2020. Early U.S. coverage treated the Champions League as filler for mid-week slots, and studio analysis was rare until the later stages of the tournament. The launch of a dedicated soccer channel on Paramount+ in 2021 prompted CBS to develop a permanent studio format, leveraging Scott’s experience from Turner’s earlier coverage and the on-air chemistry of the former players.

The Guardian

The panel describes its approach as informal and “authentic,” emphasizing genuine interaction over scripted performance. The group’s banter often references lesser-known clubs such as Bodø/Glimt and Brest, using those stories to broaden the show’s appeal beyond the traditional powerhouses.

The Guardian

Scott told The Guardian that the show’s success stems from a “mutual appreciation and love” among the panel, likening their on-air sparring to family squabbles that remain underpinned by respect. The team collectively argues that their relaxed style, filmed abroad, allows them to experiment with tone and humor while still delivering insightful analysis. Henry adds that the authenticity of the discussion has attracted viewers not only in the United States but also in other countries, where audiences relate to the personalities of each panelist.

The Guardian

• “I don’t think about that when we’re on air,” — Jamie Carragher

The Guardian

• “I try to do what I’m supposed to do for the show and for the team, in the way I actually like to see the game,” — Thierry Henry

The Guardian

• “There’s always a story in the Champions League,” — Jamie Carragher

The Guardian

• “Because we’re all authentic with it, nobody, I would say, is acting on the show,” — Thierry Henry

The Guardian