ESPN Networks to Serve Up Extra Helping of Holiday Joy for Sports Fans This Christmas

By: Caryn Robbins Dec. 21, 2016

ESPN networks are serving up an extra helping of holiday joy for the sports fan on Christmas with a variety of backdrops for your holiday gathering. ESPN Films' third annual 30 FOR 30 Christmas Marathon returns with 24 straight hours of captivating sports documentaries on ESPN2, SEC Network brings back the sports fans yule log alternative with school fight songs, ESPNU debuts a new holiday tradition of Mike Golic Jr. eating Christmas cookies and Longhorn Network goes to BEVO's Home for the Holidays.

In addition to the holiday themed programming, ABC and ESPN continue their Christmas tradition of NBA ACTION on Sunday, Dec. 25, with five games highlighted by a rematch of the most-watched NBA FINALS in ABC history - the Golden State Warriors vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Full Details) Also, ESPNU and ESPN2 are slated to air college basketball action with four Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic games, including the Championship game at 8 p.m. (Full Schedule) while E60: Stories of the Year airs Christmas Eve (ESPN, 5 p.m.) and E:60 Pictures: Life as Matt (preview) airs Christmas Day (ESPN, 5:30 p.m.)

ESPNU: Mike Golic Jr. Eats Christmas Cookies

Like many Americans, ESPN analyst Mike Golic Jr. loves COLLEGE FOOTBALL and also loves Christmas cookies. On Christmas morning, let ESPNU's cozy holiday studio light up your living room with an enchanting fireplace, excessive tinsel and an uninterrupted telecast of Golic Jr, in his holiday pajamas, eating cookies. A Very Golic Christmas is on from 7-8 a.m. ET.

Longhorn Network: BEVO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BEVO XV makes his holiday debut in what has quickly become a Texas tradition on Longhorn Network, BEVO Home for the Holidays. Fresh off his first football season as the official living mascot, BEVO XV welcomes fans on Christmas morning to his idyllic ranch, sure to make any Texas fan feel at home. The southwest setting airs without commercial interruption beginning at 9 a.m. ET and is set to holiday music as well as an original song by Lifetime Longhorn Jordan Shipley.

"Everything's bigger in Texas and BEVO Home for the Holidays is the Texas-sized version of the TV yulelog, bringing a picturesque setting in a Slow TV format that delights without distracting," said Stacie McCollum, ESPN college networks. "BEVO XV has earned a special place in Texas fans' hearts since he was introduced this fall and many fans see UT and the longhorn as an extension of their family. We consider it an honor to bring BEVO to their home for the holidays."

2016 marks the third year, LHN has aired a "slow TV" production (a relatively new genre of television coverage that captures an ordinary event in its typical length; the name is derived from the lengthy nature of the telecast and natural slow pace of the show) of BEVO as he is fed, groomed by his owners and plays with bovine friends on the ranch.

30 for 30: Christmas Marathon Begins December 24 on ESPN2

ESPN Films' third annual 30 FOR 30 Christmas Marathon is back this year with 24 straight hours of captivating sports documentaries on ESPN2. The marathon will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sat, Dec. 24, with "Fantastic Lies," and continue through Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day, ending with "Believeland" at 11:30 a.m. on the 25th.

(Image courtesy of ESPN)

Full 30 FOR 30 Christmas Marathon schedule (all on ESPN2):

Date	Time (ET)	Film
Sat, Dec 24	1 p.m.	"Fantastic Lies"
	3 p.m.	"Doc & Darryl"
	4:30 p.m.	"Brothers in Exile"
	6 p.m.	"Survive and Advance"
	8 p.m.	"Phi Slama Jama"
	9:30 p.m.	"Hit It Hard"
	10:30 p.m.	"Benji"
Sun, Dec 25	12 a.m.	"Catholics vs. Convicts"
	2 a.m.	"Into the Wind"
	3 a.m.	"Free Spirits"
	4 a.m.	"Tim Richmond: To The Limit"
	5 a.m.	"Muhammad and Larry"
	6 a.m.	"Once Brothers"
	7:30 a.m.	"'85 Bears"
	9:30 a.m	"Four Falls of Buffalo"
	11:30 a.m.	"Believeland"

RELATED STORIES - TV

The Bacon Brothers Release New Album

The Bacon Brothers, featuring Michael and Kevin Bacon, unveil their new album, Ballad Of The Brothers. The siblings have spent the best of three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound 'forosoco,' it's taken them worldwide, from headlining gigs in Japan and Europe to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and Gruene Hall. Listen to the album here!

Allison Williams Joins Charlie Day in Film KILL ME

Allison Williams is set to executive produce and star alongside Charlie Day in the murder mystery Kill Me, directed and written by Peter Warren. In the film Jimmy wakes up in a bathtub after having tried to kill himself. Or, at least, that's what it looks like to his friends and family. Jimmy is pretty sure he didn't do it...Maybe. Together with Margot, the 911 operator who took his call, Jimmy sets out on a mission to solve a vitally important whodunit.

Nick Jonas Film THE GOOD HALF To Be Released This Summer

Following its premiere at the Tribeca Festival last June, The Good Half, starring Nick Jonas, will be hitting theaters this July. According to reports, the film has been acquired by Utopia and, in partnership with Fathom Events, a limited release will include 900 North American theaters on July 23 and 25. Attendees will also get to see a virtual Q&A with Jonas and director Robert Schwartzman. A wide release is expected later in the year.

Steve Carell Joins Tina Fey in Netflix's THE FOUR SEASONS

According to multiple reports, Steve Carell has closed a deal which would reunite him with Tina Fey in a television remake of The Four Seasons from Netflix. The Office alum will star in the remake of Alan Alda's 1981 feature, who will star alongside Tina Fey in the series. Fey co-created the adaptation with Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, whom she worked with on 30 Rock. The film is set to go into production later this year.

Videos


News on your favorite shows, specials & more!