ESPN’s original series Playmakers never made it off the bench for a return engagement, but its most recent original show, Dream Job, seems almost assured of another starting position in the network’s primetime lineup.
ESPN executives said the show, which pitted would-be sportscasters against each other for the right to become a full-fledged SportsCenter anchor, averaged an impressive 1.2 household rating for its eight-episode run. ESPN senior vice president of research and sales development Artie Bulgrin said the show improved its Sunday 10 p.m. time period by 33% in household ratings and a 150% among it target demo: males 18 to 34.
“It was right around our expectations,” Bulgrin said. “It’s a terrific number and it became must-see viewing for young viewers.”
The network has yet to officially say whether the show, hosted by SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott, would return, but Bulgrin said the series performed well enough to merit a sophomore season.
Should it be renewed, Dream Job would mark the second ESPN Original Entertainment series to garner a second season run behind Beg, Borrow and Deal.
