ESPN is replacing its long-running Up Close interview show with an
interactive program hosted by veteran TV personality and journalist Chris
Connelly, the network announced Thursday.
Bowing Oct. 22 at 5 p.m., Unscripted with Chris Connelly will present
a variety of the biggest sports stars and celebrities in a fast-paced,
interactive format, featuring questions submitted by ESPN.com users.
Like Up Close, Unscripted will originate from the ESPN Zone in
Anaheim, Calif.
Most recently the on-air correspondent and editorial director at MTV: Music
Television's MTV News, Connelly has held stints hosting ESPN2's Talk2 and
Later with Bob Costas. His career has also included turns with magazines
Rolling Stone, Premiere and Talk, and he remains a
contributing editor at the latter.
ESPN debuted its long-interview show as SportsLook in 1984. The show,
renamed Up Close in 1991, was hosted by Roy Firestone until January 1995,
when former SportsCenter and current Fox Sports News anchor Chris Myers
assumed the role. Gary Miller became host of Up Close in January
1999.
