That Other Pregame Show

That Other Pregame Show. Commonly abbreviated as TOPS, it was a Sunday morning National Football League discussion program that aired on the CBS Sports Network from 2013 to 2017. The show served as a secondary, studio-based complement to the primary CBS NFL pregame broadcast, The NFL Today, offering extended analysis and fan interaction. It featured a rotating panel of hosts and contributors who debated league news, previewed the day's matchups, and engaged with social media.

Overview

Launched as part of CBS Corporation's strategy to provide additional NFL content across its portfolio, the program was conceived to leverage the growing popularity of year-round football coverage. It occupied a unique space as a network-produced show airing on a cable channel, directly supporting the flagship broadcasts on the CBS television network. The series aimed to capture an audience seeking deeper analytical discussion before the network's main pregame show commenced, often focusing on fantasy football implications and Las Vegas point spreads. Its runtime allowed for more in-depth segments than typically possible on the broader, entertainment-focused The NFL Today.

Production and format

The program was produced from Studio 43 at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, utilizing a modern set designed for multi-platform interaction. A defining element of its format was the heavy integration of viewer questions and comments sourced from Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms, which were displayed on large video walls. Segments regularly included detailed film breakdowns, interviews with players like J.J. Watt and coaches such as Bill Belichick, and fantasy advice from established experts. The production team collaborated closely with CBS Sports' newsgathering arm, CBSSports.com, and its team of reporters including Jason La Canfora and Pete Prisco.

Hosts and contributors

The show featured a fluid roster of on-air talent drawn from the wider CBS Sports stable. Regular hosts included Adam Schein, known for his energetic debate style, and Amy Trask, the former Oakland Raiders executive who provided front-office perspective. Frequent panelists comprised analysts like Bart Scott, the former Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets linebacker, and Brandon Tierney, a veteran sports radio personality. Other notable contributors who made appearances included Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms, and Tracy Wolfson, bridging the program directly to the The NFL Today team. The ensemble cast was a defining characteristic, offering a mix of media, playing, and executive experience.

Reception and impact

Critical reception was mixed; some media reviewers praised the show's dedicated focus on hardcore fans and its willingness to delve into nuanced X's and O's strategy. However, it was often compared unfavorably in terms of reach and production polish to competitor programs like Fox NFL Sunday and ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown. Its impact was most felt in demonstrating CBS's commitment to building out its cable sports presence and creating a testing ground for new on-air personalities. The program's active social media engagement was frequently cited as a successful innovation, influencing how later sports talk shows incorporated real-time fan feedback.

Cancellation and legacy

CBS Sports Network announced the cancellation of the program in early 2017, with its final episode airing on February 5, 2017, following Super Bowl LI. The decision was attributed to a broader reallocation of resources and a strategic shift in the network's programming lineup. Its legacy lies in paving the way for the network's subsequent expanded digital and cable football coverage, including more robust programming blocks on CBS Sports Network. Several of its regular contributors, like Adam Schein and Bart Scott, continued in prominent roles across CBS Sports platforms, while the show's interactive format influenced later fan-engagement segments on NFL broadcasts.

Category:2013 American television series debuts Category:2017 American television series endings Category:CBS Sports Network original programming Category:American football television programs