The Dan Patrick Show Explained

Genre:Sports talk
Creator:Dan Patrick
Open Theme:(Rock) Superstar by Cypress Hill
Presenter:Dan Patrick
Starring:
  • Todd Fritz
  • Patrick "Seton" O'Connor
  • Paul Pabst
  • Marvin Prince
  • Andrew Perloff (2007 – 2021)
Country:United States
Language:English
Executive Producer:
  • Paul Pabst
  • Todd Fritz
Location:
Camera:Multi-camera
Runtime:180 minutes
Company:
  • AT&T Sports Networks (2009–20)
  • Content Factory (2007–09)
  • ESPN Radio (1999–2007)
Network:
Last Aired:present

The Dan Patrick Show is a syndicated radio and television sports talk show, hosted by former ESPN personality Dan Patrick. It is currently produced by Patrick and is syndicated to radio stations by Premiere Radio Networks, within and independently of their Fox Sports Radio package. The three-hour program debuted on October 1, 2007. It is broadcast weekdays live beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. The current show is a successor to the original Dan Patrick Show, which aired from 1999 to 2007 on ESPN Radio weekdays at 1:00 p.m. Eastern/10:00 a.m. Pacific.

The show was televised on three networks: on DirecTV's Audience Network (formerly the 101 Network) since August 3, 2009; on three AT&T SportsNet affiliates since October 25, 2010; and on B/R Live as of March 1, 2019. It can also be heard on Sirius XM Radio channel 211,[1] [2] and is distributed as a podcast by PodcastOne.[3]

On January 10, 2020, Patrick announced on his show that the relationship with AT&T Sports for the live video broadcast would end in its current form, shortly after Super Bowl LIV. AT&T's Audience Network, which had simulcast the program since 2009, was ceasing operations, and the show would also end streaming via B/R Live, following a short-run that began in 2019. The final show under AT&T aired on February 28. On March 2, the live show began airing on The Dan Patrick Show YouTube channel with the radio show still being nationally syndicated via multiple platforms.

On August 10, 2020, it was announced that the show would move to Peacock on August 24, 2020.[4] Highlights of the show continue to appear on the YouTube channel.

On July 19, 2023, Patrick announced that the show's run will end on December 24, 2027.

Guests

The show mainly features guests involved with American football and sometimes other sports, whether current or former athletes, coaches, commissioners or agents. Less often, guests who are not affiliated with sports will come on the show, although it is common for Patrick to ask at least one sports related question. Guests typically appear when the sport they are involved with is in-season, but may also come on before the release of a movie or music album or when the guest is in the news. Few guests appear year-round and some may only appear once a year. Patrick has said that he welcomes anyone to come on the show who feels he has misrepresented or misquoted them.

The show has attracted high-profile guests, after heated or controversial events. Patrick rejects requests to restrict the questions asked, saying that doing this would only cheat his audience. There have been guests who have cancelled appearances due to Patrick's desire for candor. Current regular guests include reporters, broadcasters, and former professional coaches and athletes, most whom are current broadcasters working for a variety of media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, Yahoo! Sports, various network and cable stations, and reporters from local media sources covering the beat involving a team, player or league in the news at the time.

Patrick is known for his wry, irreverent interviews, often asking humorous hypothetical questions and occasionally, making bets with his guests. For example, in January 2006, Patrick made a bet with Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner, where if Warner got the Cardinals to the Super Bowl by 2008, then Patrick would personally campaign for Warner to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Warner took Arizona to the Super Bowl in the 2008 NFL season, and would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.) Another bet Patrick made was with the rap star Nelly, where Nelly said the St. Louis Rams would win the Super Bowl in 2007, while Patrick had the field. If Patrick won, he would get to name a song on Nelly's next album, and, if Nelly won, Patrick would have to appear in one of Nelly's music videos. St. Louis did not make the playoffs in 2007.

ESPN Radio

The show was broadcast on ESPN Radio from 1999 to 2007; broadcasts originated in Bristol, Connecticut, during most of the year, and from New York City during the NBA season. The show debuted on September 13, 1999, and was heard weekdays from 1 pm ET to 4 pm ET. It was often viewed as the signature program on the network at the time, primarily because of Patrick's high-profile at ESPN/ABC and his ability to attract well-known and popular guests.

The show often broadcast live at the Super Bowl site, during the week before the big game, and during ESPN The Weekend at Orlando, Florida.

Supporting cast

The ESPN Radio SportsCenter anchor was long-time ESPN Radio personality Dan Davis. From 1999 to 2004, the show was co-hosted by former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rob Dibble. During this time, ESPN NFL analyst Sean Salisbury was a regular third-man-in, though he was never given the title of co-host. Dibble left the show and went on to co-host The Best Damn Sports Show Period on Fox Sports Net) (FSN) and weekends on Fox Sports Radio.

The show's producers were Ray Necci and Phil "The Showkiller" Ceppaglia. The latter earned the nickname while working for ESPN Radio's The Tony Kornheiser Show. After inadvertently giving Kornheiser the wrong name of a caller, Kornheiser was prompted to say that he was killing his show and the nickname stuck. Ceppaglia was also often made fun of by Patrick about the time he inadvertently hung up on former U.S. president Bill Clinton while working on Patrick's show.

During the 2 pm ET hour, Patrick was reunited with long-time SportsCenter co-anchor Keith Olbermann, marking the latter's return to ESPN, since his abrupt departure from the company in 1997. Olbermann appeared in 2004 and 2005 every Friday, then appeared daily starting in late 2005. Patrick would also preview what was coming up on the 6:00 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, while Olbermann previewed what was coming up on his MSNBC show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann. This hour was dubbed "The Big Show", which was the nickname previously given by the duo for their SportsCenter broadcasts.

Departure

On July 9, 2007, Patrick announced that he was leaving ESPN and its radio properties, on amicable terms. The last live edition of the Dan Patrick Show aired on August 17 of that year. However, earlier on July 12, the Chicago Sun-Times had reported that Patrick would continue in radio and launch a new nationally syndicated program via the Chicago-based Content Factory.[5] From the date of that announcement, Patrick did not appear as host of that time slot, which was referred to by guest hosts as simply "ESPN Radio". ESPN announced Patrick would remain off-air from ESPN Radio until August 13, for his week-long farewell. He actually returned on August 15, and finished his final three broadcasts as his "Farewell for Now Tour" shows. During his final shows, clips from memorable interviews were played during the bumper music before each segment, and Dan encouraged listeners to visit his website (www.danpatrick.com) in order to keep up with him in the future. He signed off from his final show by thanking everyone involved with it as well as those who supported him throughout his TV work at ESPN. His concluding remarks were simply, "With that said, thank you. Goodbye... for now."[6]

Guests who appeared on his final show included Bob Costas, MLB outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., former NFL players Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, and actor Will Ferrell, as Ron Burgundy.

Radio, TV, and Internet

The Dan Patrick Show returned to the air on October 1, 2007; the show was produced by the Content Factory, with national sales and syndication handled by Premiere Networks. The program initially began on outlets owned by Clear Channel, but has since expanded to many more stations across the United States, both live and tape-delayed depending on the market. Eventually, the show was added to national radio when Fox Sports Radio used it to replace Out Of Bounds with Craig Shemon & James Washington on January 20, 2009. The show could be heard live on Sirius XM 247, a Fox Sports Radio simulcast. It used to be heard on a delayed basis on Sirius XM Sports Nation, which broadcast on both XM and Sirius. The show was removed the first week of January 2010, removing it from the Sirius platform entirely. The show is simulcast online at danpatrick.com, and live on the Fox Sports Radio site.

The show began simulcasting live on DirecTV's Audience Network (formerly The 101 Network) in August 2009. The show's web site was hosted by Sports Illustrated, for which Patrick still serves as a senior writer. In October 2009, the rights to the show were purchased from The Content Factory by DirecTV's sports division, DirecTV Sports Group, which now produces the show. Premiere continued its role as distributor.

As of October 25, 2010, the show began simulcasting on Fox Sports Net and Comcast Sports Net.[7] [8] The Comcast and Fox Sports Net broadcasts ended in July and on October 17, 2012, respectively, though DirecTV continued carrying the show on their Root Sports regional sports networks which formerly affiliated with FSN. After a short delay, the program began airing on NBC Sports Network on November 5, 2012. The show’s airing on NBCSN was subject to preemption by other sporting events, especially the Tour de France in July. The NBCSN simulcast ended with the show of February 28, 2019, and resumed March 25, 2019 on AT&T-owned streaming service B/R Live.[9] [10] After Patrick's and Rich Eisen's shows were dropped by Audience as of February 28, 2020, both moved briefly to YouTube (with Eisen also simulcast on NBCSN), before Patrick moved again on August 24, 2020 to Comcast-owned streaming service Peacock, simulcasting on both services for a week before permanently settling with Peacock.[11] (Eisen would follow that October.)

The main studio from which the show is broadcast is in Milford, Connecticut. Space above a then-Subway restaurant at River Street and New Haven Avenue in downtown Milford was converted into an elaborate clubhouse-style studio by DIY Network, as part of their "Man Caves" series hosted by former NFLer Tony Siragusa and DIY's Jason Cameron. The studio features several monitors, sports memorabilia, a basketball hoop, a pinball machine, a foosball table, a bar with 3 kegs and a golf simulator. The show had previously been produced in the attic of Patrick's home in the transition period from ESPN to Premiere. From September 2012 until the show's relationship with AT&T ended, the Monday show was broadcast from a studio in New York City during the NFL season. Patrick did this so he would not be as inconvenienced following Football Night in Americas late ending on Sunday nights. As of 2015, with the move of all NBC Sports operations to Stamford including Football Night, the show mainly originates from Milford. On April 19, 2019, the show moved again to a larger location at 363 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford, which includes a basketball court and full kitchen.[12]

Patrick often relates anecdotes of his ESPN career, in both positive and negative lights. He often refers to his former employer as "The Mother Ship" (he also used "ESPeon" in the show's early years), and expressed disappointment with their practice of preventing their talent from appearing as guests on his show, and frustration when an ESPN employee has agreed to come on the show only to later cancel.[13] In the case of Erin Andrews appearing on the show, she later sent him a message and Patrick then stated on air that she had been told by ESPN she would no longer be available as a guest to the show.[14] In response, Patrick has used the phrase, "if you're afraid, buy a dog", and on the rare occasion an ESPN employee does appear on the show, will say, "you don't own a dog." Michael Wilbon, co-host of Pardon the Interruption, is the only regular guest from ESPN, appearing a handful of times per year. Mike Golic and Chris Berman are the only other former colleagues to appear on the show since Patrick's departure from ESPN, appearing on set before the Super Bowls in 2010 and 2013, respectively. (Scott Van Pelt called in briefly on one occasion.) Whenever college basketball analyst Jay Bilas appears, it is while he is doing television commentary for CBS during March Madness. Other guests who have developed a relationship with Patrick over the years and served alongside Patrick while when both were at ESPN include baseball analyst Peter Gammons, whom Patrick affectionately refers to as "The Dalai Lama" for his tremendous insight of the game. Patrick will often mockingly speak to ESPN management directly while on air, in large part after discovering thoughts or news he has been able to divulge from guests appearing on his show are later found on ESPN programs or website, without giving credit or mentioning The Dan Patrick Show as their source. Patrick has stated on his show many times he is less forgiving when his former employer fails to give credit to guests who appear on his show regularly who might be in direct competition with ESPN, such as ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio, who might be the first to report on a story and later appear on The Dan Patrick Show but may be lesser-known than Patrick.

He also has remarked on their history of stealing news that is broken on his show, and having their own reporters "confirm" such news rather than directly attributing it to Patrick's show (this has caused him to coin the phrase, "We don't break news, we sprain news"). Despite mocking ESPN, he often speaks fondly of his former co-workers, both those appearing on and off the air.

The Danettes

Patrick is joined on the air by the "Danettes": executive producer Paul Pabst ("Paulie"); executive producer Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy"); director of operations Patrick O'Connor ("Seton"); and board ops chief Marvin "Small Hands" Prince. Blogger/writer Andrew Perloff ("McLovin") is a former Danette.[15] Patrick regularly chats with his crew about sports, and discussion will often break off into other topics, such as current events, entertainment, and their personal lives. The Danettes are generally encouraged to speak honestly and share their actual opinions, with Patrick often carrying on with them in a conversational manner. Patrick has acknowledged that he was influenced by Howard Stern when incorporating the members of his staff into the on-air aspects of the show.

In addition to their duties on the show, the Danettes have their own television program; The Box Score airs on DirecTV (in addition to being available online) and was carried on the NBC Sports Network until August 16, 2013, immediately following The Dan Patrick Show. The Box Score serves as a complementary program, recapping highlights from the day's show and further expanding on the behind-the-scenes elements of the program. The 30-minute program features the four Danettes and Casey Geraghty, who serves as the program's host. On November 27, 2013, Geraghty left The Box Score and the show was revamped and returned in early 2014. Dan Patrick himself is not a credited cast member, although he occasionally makes appearances or prerecords brief segments.

The term "Danette" was given to the crew by former NBA player Reggie Miller.[16]

On December 3, 2021, Perloff announced he'd be leaving the show after nine years after having agreed to co-host an afternoon show on CBS Sports Radio alongside sportscaster Maggie Gray. It marked the first time in the show's history a Danette had left the show. His last show was on December 23, 2021.[17]

Will Ferrell joined the Danettes for two days in August 2023 while the show was in Dublin.

MVD

The "Most Valuable Danette" (MVD) award is a year-end honor typically bestowed upon the best-performing (or 'exceeding low expectations') member of the "Danettes" by Dan Patrick.

YearWinner
2008Patrick O'Connor ("Seton")
2009Andrew Perloff ("McLovin”)
2010Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2011Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2012Patrick O'Connor ("Seton")
2013Patrick O'Connor ("Seton")
2014Andrew Perloff ("McLovin”)
2015Paul Pabst ("Paulie")
2016Andrew Perloff ("McLovin”)
2017Todd "LVD" Fritz (“Fritzy”)
2018Ethan ("The 4th Danette")
2019Ethan ("The 4th Danette")
2021Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2022Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")

LVD

The Least Valuable Danette (LVD) award is a year-end honor typically bestowed upon the worst-performing member of the "Danettes" by Dan Patrick.

YearWinner
2014Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2015Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2016Andrew Perloff ("McHatin")
2017Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2018Andrew Perloff ("McHatin")
2019Andrew Perloff ("McHatin")
2021Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")
2022Todd "LVD" Fritz ("Fritzy")

Mobile apps

Aside from show's official homepage, podcasts can be accessed through the mobile apps on Android devices and iOS devices. These apps also give the ability to listen to the live stream. The apps can be found for free on Apple's iOS App Store, and on Google Play for Android.[18]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Get 24/7 access to NBC Sports' shows & coverage on SiriusXM's NBC Sports Audio . 3 December 2020 . Sirius XM Radio . 27 January 2021.
  2. Web site: Radio Station Affiliates . The Dan Patrick Show . 2 August 2020.
  3. Web site: Podcasts: The Dan Patrick Show . PodcastOne . 2 August 2020.
  4. Web site: "The Dan Patrick Show" to Stream Exclusively on Peacock. The Futon Critic. August 10, 2020.
  5. News: Robert . Feder . Robert Feder . This means war – Gloves are off in fight between old television rivals at NBC5, CBS2 . . 55 . July 12, 2007 .
  6. Web site: Smith . Michael David . Dan Patrick Will Return for Farewell Week at ESPN Radio . Fanhouse . AOL Sports . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080820085822/http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/17/dan-patrick-will-return-for-farewell-week-at-espn-radio/ . 20 August 2008 . 17 July 2007.
  7. http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P7110152 The Dan Patrick Show Syndicated to More Than 85 Million Homes! – Fox Sports Net Will Distribute the Popular Sports Talk TV Series Beginning October 25
  8. Web site: Duncan. Travis. The Dan Patrick Show goes national. October 25, 2010. December 5, 2010.
  9. NBCSportsPR . Statement from an NBC Sports spokesperson . 1100106549727502337 . 2023-05-07 . en-us . live . March 4, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210304075319/https://twitter.com/NBCSportsPR/status/1100106549727502337.
  10. Web site: Burack. Bobby. How to Watch the Dan Patrick Show on B/R Live. March 24, 2019. August 17, 2021.
  11. Web site: Baysinger. Tim. 'The Dan Patrick Show' to Move From YouTube to Peacock. August 10, 2020. August 17, 2021.
  12. Web site: Guzzi. Alan. First day at new studio!. April 19, 2019. October 1, 2020.
  13. Web site: Mike Golic's Appearance On Dan Patrick's Radio Show Will Not Get Him Sent To Bristol Stockade . 3 February 2010 . Deadspin.com . 2013-06-16.
  14. Web site: Spaen. Brian. Dan Patrick vs. ESPN: Why 'The Mothership' is ruining his show. . November 25, 2010. December 5, 2010.
  15. Web site: Meet The Staff » The Dan Patrick Show . Danpatrick.com . 2013-06-16.
  16. News: Hoffarth: 'Danettes' bring out Patrick's personality . 2 August 2020 . Orange County Register . 21 May 2016.
  17. Web site: Casselberry . Ian . Maggie Gray taking over CBS Sports Radio drive-time slot, with Andrew Perloff from The Dan Patrick Show . Awful Announcing. 3 December 2021 .
  18. Web site: Dan Patrick Mobile Apps . The Dan Patrick Show . 1 August 2020.