MLB Network Revives 'Intentional Talk' After 16-Season Cancellation
The show's resurrection comes after fan feedback and support from top league officials, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, led to a reversal of the initial cancellation decision made on October 19th
MLB Network's talk show 'Intentional Talk' has been resurrected after initially being canceled following 16 seasons. The cancellation announcement was made on October 19th, but the network has since reversed its decision due to fan feedback and support from top league officials.
The show features former MLB players Kevin Millar and Ryan Dempster alongside host Sierra Santos. 'Intentional Talk' started in 2011 with Millar and Chris Rose, and over the years, has undergone changes, including Rose's departure in 2020 and Stephen Nelson's replacement from 2021-23 before Millar took over the lead chair.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other top executives heard directly from fans, players, and club personnel about the disappointment in the show being canceled. The feedback from viewers and players played a significant role in the network's decision to revive the show. MLB Network released a statement saying they appreciate the show's relationship with its loyal following and are grateful for the feedback from viewers and players.
The reversal of the cancellation decision was first reported by The Athletic. The move is a rare instance of a programming decision being reversed, and it highlights the power of fan feedback and the importance of listening to the audience.
## Why it matters The resurrection of 'Intentional Talk' is significant because it shows that fan feedback can lead to changes in programming decisions. The show's loyal following and the support from top league officials, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, demonstrate the value of engaging with the audience and listening to their concerns. The move also underscores the importance of 'Intentional Talk' to the MLB Network, as it is the network's longest-running talk show.
The cancellation and subsequent resurrection of 'Intentional Talk' also highlight the challenges faced by sports networks in making programming decisions. The initial decision to cancel the show may have been based on various factors, including costs and the show's long duration. However, the feedback from fans and players has led to a re-evaluation of the show's importance, and the network has decided to revive it.
## What happens next The revival of 'Intentional Talk' means that the show will continue to feature Kevin Millar and Ryan Dempster alongside host Sierra Santos. The network will likely work to build on the show's loyal following and engage with fans to ensure the show's continued success. The move also sets a precedent for fan feedback playing a role in programming decisions, and it will be interesting to see how this affects future decisions made by the MLB Network.
