As the news is sinking in that the very last show HBO’s Inside the NFL has aired, it’s sad to think that this venerable show is no more. NFL Films will probably find a new network partner (*cough* NFL Network *cough*) for its highlights, but it won’t be the same without HBO’s stamp on the show.
HBO Sports gave a tersely worded press release this morning and it wasn’t worthy of a signature show that was on the air for three decades. In addition, there was no advance word of the cancellation, news from HBO came about 10 a.m. on Wednesday, just hours before the show was to tape in New York.
Bob Costas called the move to end the Inside the NFL, “a bonehead decision,” during the first minutes of the last show and the entire crew of Dan Marino, Cris Collinsworth and Cris Carter was somber. And even the last roundtable which included NFL Insider Peter King and former hosts Nick Buoniconti and Len Dawson felt like a wake.
And while a taped montage of the last 31 years aired, it just didn’t feel right that a show like this should go. I would understand if the show’s quality had fallen or if the ratings weren’t up to standards (HBO doesn’t release ratings for INFL), but there had been no indication that the show was serious trouble.
I would like to know the reason behind the decision to end the show. Was it the NFL’s decision? Was it HBO’s? Did NFL Films want to produce the show in house? It just doesn’t make sense.
If you did miss the show tonight, there will be additional airings through the weekend. Inside the NFL will definitely be missed.
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