Grantland, the ESPN-owned sports and pop culture site founded by Editor-in-chief Bill Simmons, is making its first foray into television with The Grantland Basketball Show.
Simmons will leave his current post with NBA Countdown to serve as host of the series, which will air on ESPN throughout the 2014-15 NBA season. The hour-long series will debut on Tuesday, October 21 at 8 p.m. ET.
ESPN has scheduled 18 episodes to air in the primetime slot throughout the season, including eight episodes during the NBA Playoffs and Finals and additional episodes during events such as the NBA Draft.
"We're thrilled that Bill will continue to have a presence as part of ESPN's NBA television efforts. The nature of The Grantland Basketball Show schedule will allow Bill to stay connected to the sport he loves, while focusing on his other priorities, including the successful Grantland site and the acclaimed 30 for 30 series," said John Wildhack, executive vice president, production and programming, in a statement.
Simmons also serves as co-executive producer for 30 for 30, the documentary series which also airs on ESPN. The Grantland Basketball Show is produced by the network's new production company Exit 31.
