Some statistics on Jason Kelce’s late night debut:

Pagan gave the first episode a 7 out of 10. The Union Transfer crowd was mostly Eagles fans in Eagles jerseys, obviously, and the thing I’m most curious about is whether or not Jason has appeal that goes beyond Philadelphia. Jason and Travis both exploded on the scene in the last year or so, but how many New Heights listeners, for example, are Chiefs and Eagles fans? Does the average Saints fan care about any of this? How much of the Taylor Swift + Kylie Kelce influence bleeds into the Jason and Travis side of things in a meaningful way? Some stuff to ponder.

The debut show was linear in a good way. Typical late night, with an opening monologue, a taped skit or two, then a sit-down interview segment with Charles Barkley, Lil’ Dicky, and Baldy. Jeff Stoutland came out to give a pump up speech and then they ended with a fan chug contest that included Dunphy and a could of other guys. Kylie was in the rafters, serving as the show’s Paul Shaffer, and there was a seven-piece band as well.

My main observation: when Jason went off script and was able to be himself, that’s when the episode was at its best. This feels like one of those things that they should underproduce. Let him riff. This show will work if they keep it simple and just talk sports and have a laugh. And sure, he’ll get better at the scripted/skit type of stuff, but they don’t need to do a lot of it. The panel discussion about whether or not the Eagles should go for the rushing record was just as good as anything I heard on television or read online last week. And, of course, this was episode 1. How many shows got it perfect on the first try? How many shows got a bazillion jillion views right out the gate? Not many. (EDIT – I think you also have to note that the show is on YouTube, and clips fly around social media, and there’s so much more to look at beyond just raw TV numbers)