Are you a huge fan of ESPN’s His & Hers, hosted by Michael Smith and Jemele Hill?
Well this must be your lucky day, as the network has announced that the duo, who have been heading up that show together since 2013, will now be hosting the 6 p.m. hour of SportsCenter!
They will officially take over on February 6, 2017, which is the day after the Super Bowl. The 6 p.m. hour’s current host, Lindsay Czarniak, will be on maternity leave starting in November and will transition into a new role for the network when she returns. Both Smith and Hill have signed new, multi-year deals.
“Jemele and Michael have unique chemistry and impressive journalistic credentials, and we look forward to bringing their entertaining mix of perspective and passion to SportsCenter. We’ll build a new version of our program that amplifies all that makes them special,” said Rob King, ESPN senior vice president, SportsCenter and News.
According to a press release, Smith and Hill’s version will combine the best aspects of SportsCenter and His & Hers, and expected to be more “conversational, and feature commentary and opinion from Hill and Smith.”
In the release, Hill also stated, “This is just surreal for both of us. For us to be associated with the cornerstone brand of ESPN is beyond thrilling. There is such a rich history and tradition associated with SportsCenter that it’s a little overwhelming, but we’re eager to leave our own mark. We’ve had a great run on His & Hers, and it will always be our first born and first love. It’s the core of who we are and we have no plans to abandon the chemistry and fun that is a hallmark of His & Hers. We’re just moving what we do to another significant platform and different time slot.”
We can’t wait to catch SportsCenter at 6 now!
