New Ensemble Cast Takes Shape on FSN Show
Tom Arnold to Continue with New One-Year Deal
Chris Rose ends a three-month hiatus from FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD (BDSSP) when he returns as the show's host on Monday, March 21, it was announced today by George Greenberg, FSN's Executive Vice President, Programming & Production.
The return of Rose comes as BDSSP ends its three-month experiment with a "late night" talk show format, and reverts to an ensemble cast that was the show's trademark since premiering in 2001.
"We're really excited to have Chris come back to the show," said Greenberg. "Since December, we've tried a talk show format, and Tom Arnold and John Salley gave it everything they had. Despite that tremendous effort, I felt that the ensemble cast format was what set the show apart from so many other talk shows, and was one of its definite strengths. That's why we're bringing it back."
BDSSP continues its successful guys-talking-sports format, but will put a larger focus on breaking news and more timely reactions to major happenings in the sports world.
"It's exciting to be back," said Rose. "BDSSP continues to have the same casual atmosphere with athletes and sports personalities, but now for the first time in the show's existence, we'll be able to attack news as it happens. I'm looking forward to working with the new ensemble and continuing to bring viewers the best sports show on television."
Arnold, part of the original cast, will not be a member of the new ensemble, but he has reached an agreement with FSN to continue his presence on the show over the next year, appearing when BDSSP takes to the road for major sports events, like the NCAA Final Four, MLB All-Star Game and World Series, Super Bowl and BDSSP boxing specials.
"The whole show is being restructured, and I'm pleased that Tom has agreed to remain a part of the show over the next year," added Greenberg. "Because of his varied opportunities, Tom has been pulled in a number of directions over the past year, so we wanted to find a more flexible way for him to devote time to other opportunities, while at the same time maintain a connection to Best Damn Sports Show Period."
"I'm happy that I can continue the part of the job that I love, being out in the field with the athletes and fans at major sporting events," said Arnold. "I'm extremely grateful to FSN for allowing me to have my cake and eat it too, figuratively of course."
Joining the versatile Rose on March 14 is former NBA superstar and continuing cast member John Salley, who has been with the show since 2002. The remaining cast members have not yet been determined, but next week Rose and Salley will be joined by two guest hosts.
A cult favorite that has become mainstream fare, FSN's BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD is off-the-cuff, irreverent and unlike any other sports show on television. Here, in the world where sports are king, the day's hottest topics are discussed with an opinionated, humorous, no-holds barred approach. BDSSP regularly features fun interviews with top athletes, coaches, celebrities and entertainers. Since its debut on July 23, 2001, the show has welcomed thousands of guests, including "A-listers" like Mike Tyson, Barry Bonds, Shaquille O'Neal, Ben Affleck and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now in its fourth season and with more than 800 episodes under its belt, BDSSP is still going strong. The one-hour show airs weeknights at 9:00, 10:30 and 11:30 PM local time on FSN.