The 100+ Best TV Sports Talk Shows

Ranker TV
Updated March 4, 2025 49.8K views 110 items
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8.4K votes
1.2K voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the best non-scripted shows that focus on sports - from sports news to sports docuseries.
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Over 1.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 100+ Best TV Sports Talk Shows

These are the very best sports TV shows, ranked from best to worst, thanks to your votes. From football TV shows to soccer, hockey, and more, this list of the greatest sports shows includes pictures from the shows, cast, and premiere dates to help you vote.

Popular sports TV shows have been a staple of television for years, so there's often debate about what the most entertaining sports show of all time is. Don't let your favorite sports television programs in history get to the bottom of the list- be sure to vote them up so they have the chance to reach the top spot. Featuring  shows like Inside the NBA, Sports Center, and Hard Knocks, there are sports shows for whatever sport and format you're feeling, from sports documentaries to sports news shows and even just regular sports broadcasts like Monday Night Football.

This list answers the questions, "What is the best sports show of all time?" and "What are the greatest sports shows?"

Ranked by
  • Inside the NBA
    1

    Inside the NBA

    Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley
    532 votes

    Inside the NBA has long been a staple of basketball fanatics and casual viewers alike, thanks to its charismatic and knowledgeable personalities that bring both levity and insight to the game at hand. The innovative show traces its beginnings to the 1988-89 NBA season, with host Ernie Johnson Jr. digging deep into game analysis accompanied by expert commentators like Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith. From their in-depth discussions on team dynamics to heated debates on individual player performances, Inside the NBA undoubtedly remains an essential platform for enriched discussion and delightful banter, ultimately elevating the entire sports talk show genre.

    • Premiered: 1988
  • College GameDay
    2

    College GameDay

    Desmond Howard, Lou Holtz, Mark May
    247 votes

    College GameDay has genuinely carved out its place in the hearts and minds of college football fans since its inception in 1987, gaining popularity not only for its comprehensive and astute game analysis but also for its lively atmosphere in showcasing different college campuses each week. The iconic ESPN program has thrived under the authoritative guidance of hosts such as Chris Fowler, Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso, whose chemistry truly exemplifies what sports analysis should be: informative, entertaining, and emotionally invested. With the celebrated tradition of "Corso's Headgear" picks, College GameDay transcends the traditional sports talk show, creating a unique, immersive experience that captures the zeal and passion of college football.

    • Premiered: 1987
    • Network: ESPN, ESPNU
  • NFL on Fox
    3

    NFL on Fox

    Terry Bradshaw, Ronnie Lott, Jillian Barberie
    182 votes

    Since its launch in 1994, NFL on Fox has been a game-changer in the world of professional football broadcasting, raising the bar for analysis, innovation, and entertainment value. The show combines cutting-edge technology with legendary commentators such as Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Erin Andrews, providing fans with in-depth insights and engaging storytelling. Moreover, NFL on Fox has pioneered numerous innovations in onscreen graphics and instant replays, upending traditional sports talk show presentations and capturing viewers' imaginations. Ultimately, NFL on Fox's commitment to excellence in football coverage has made it one of the most revered and respected shows in the industry.

    • Premiered: 1994
    • Network: Fox Broadcasting Company
  • Pardon the Interruption
    4
    Tony Reali, Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser
    382 votes

    A trailblazer in the sports debate arena, Pardon the Interruption transformed the world of sports talk television with its fast-paced, dynamic format and the unbeatable pairing of Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. The duo's palpable chemistry and intellectual acumen make for spirited discussions and bold opinions on a wide range of sports topics. This groundbreaking ESPN show has distinguished itself by regularly challenging conventional wisdom, daring to go deeper into the stories that ripple through the sports world. With its signature conversational style and razor-sharp insights, Pardon the Interruption stands as an icon of sports talk excellence, paving the way for countless imitators but remaining unmatched in its class.

    • Premiered: 2001
    • Network: ESPN
  • Fox NFL Sunday
    5
    Terry Bradshaw, Ronnie Lott, Michael Strahan
    172 votes

    A staple in Sunday football programming, Fox NFL Sunday has captivated audiences with its lively pregame analysis, insightful commentary, and dynamic presentation. Launched in 1994, the popular show features a diverse panel of football experts and personalities, such as Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson, whose comradery and combined knowledge make for an entertaining and enlightening viewing experience. From dissecting game strategies and individual player performances to exploring off-field stories and controversies, Fox NFL Sunday covers all the bases to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the day's matchups. The show's winning formula has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, cementing its place among the elite sports talk shows.

    • Premiered: 1994
    • Network: Fox Broadcasting Company
  • NBC Sunday Night Football
    6

    NBC Sunday Night Football

    Tony Dungy, Michele Tafoya
    238 votes

    A confluence of prime-time entertainment and top-notch sports journalism, NBC Sunday Night Football consistently delivers as one of the best in the business. Combining Al Michaels' play-by-play expertise with Cris Collinsworth's incisive commentary, the program offers a comprehensive, engaging breakdown of the games that matter most to NFL fans. Furthermore, the show's innovations, such as the "Flex Scheduling" to ensure the most compelling matchups and the captivating graphics, elevate it to elite status amongst sports talk shows. NBC Sunday Night Football is undoubtedly a leader when it comes to insightful analysis, intriguing feature stories, and unforgettable promotions that captivate viewers week after week.

    • Premiered: August 6, 2006
    • Network: NBC