The game between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday presents a unique choice for TV viewers. You can either imagine yourself watching the game from London’s Wembley Stadium on the traditional broadcast or transport to the Tri-County Area, the fictional homeland of Andy from “Toy Story,” to watch the same game in real-time on alternate airwaves.
When the Falcons and Jaguars go head-to-head in London, ESPN will debut a “Toy Story”-themed broadcast, featuring a fully animated replica of the actual game taking place in Andy’s room. The entire broadcast, including the announcers, graphics, and scoreboard, will revolve around the “Toy Story” theme, with characters from the movie series making appearances throughout.
You might even see Buzz Lightyear flying into the end zone. But why?
Why ESPN and the NFL are embracing the ‘Toy Story’ theme
ESPN’s “Toy Story Funday Football” is the network’s latest attempt to attract younger viewers. As Richard Deitsch of The Athletic pointed out, creating a young fan now could result in their long-term loyalty and financial support for decades to come.
And just like the iconic franchise reminds us, no one can escape the inevitability of growing up. Therefore, networks hope to nurture the next generation of football fans through these themed broadcasts.
In order to educate the presumed younger audience about football, the alternate broadcast will demonstrate techniques like throwing a perfect spiral and making a safe tackle. Players from both the Falcons and Jaguars will also make appearances through pre-recorded segments and interviews.
Imaginative and themed broadcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years. For example, the playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in 2022, which aired on CBS and Nickelodeon and featured plenty of slime, drew an average of 41.496 million viewers across both networks, making it the most-watched NFL wild-card game on any network in seven years.
Nickelodeon first broadcast an NFL game during the wild-card matchup between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints on January 10, 2021. It garnered an average of 2.06 million viewers, with a total of 30.65 million viewers on CBS and Nickelodeon combined.
Nickelodeon’s presence in the NFL is continuously expanding. The network will broadcast an alternate telecast of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024. This collaboration between CBS and Nickelodeon marks their second of the season, following Nickelodeon’s airing of the “NFL Nickmas Game” on Christmas Day between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
GO DEEPER
Expect Nickelodeon slime for future NFL broadcasts
‘Toy Story’ broadcast elements
The themed broadcast takes the concept of animated announcers to a whole new level. The trio of broadcasters in the booth will not only call a lively game but will also exist as part of the “Toy Story” universe.
Drew Carter will handle play-by-play, Booger McFarland will serve as the analyst, and 12-year-old reporter Pepper Persley will be on the call. They will be fully animated using motion-capture technology, as confirmed by ESPN.
Carter, McFarland, and Persley will be joined in Andy’s bedroom by beloved characters like Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, Bullseye, Bunny, Ducky, Forky, Green Aliens, Jesse, Rex, and Slinky Dog. And during halftime, Duke Caboom, the action figure from “Toy Story 4,” will attempt to outdo Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance with a spectacle of his own.
Where to watch
Fans can embark on an adventure to infinity, London, and beyond, all from the comfort of their couch.
Both the traditional broadcast and the “Toy Story”-themed broadcast will be available at 9:30 a.m. ET on October 1 on ESPN+ and on mobile through NFL+. “Toy Story Funday Football” will also be accessible on Disney+.
Required reading
(Photo: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
