ABC will air ten more “Monday Night Football” games than previously expected this season, simulcasting then with Disney TV sibling ESPN in a move that will help the broadcast network as the industry grapples with ongoing strikes by WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
According to Variety, the football stratagem is seen as a one-time-only maneuver made due to extraordinary circumstances. ABC, like its rivals, will have fewer scripted originals this fall due to the strikes and live sports have proven, perhaps, to be the one format still able to lure an attractive, large audience all watching content simultaneously — a dynamic still craved by advertisers and distributors.
You can view the schedule below:
| Date | Time | Matchup | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Sept. 18 | 8:15 p.m. | Browns-Steelers | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Sept. 25 | 7:15 p.m. | Eagles-Buccaneers | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Oct. 2 | 8:15 p.m. | Seahawks-Giants | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Oct. 9 | 8:15 p.m. | Packers-Raiders | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Oct. 16 | 8:15 p.m. | Cowboys-Chargers | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Oct. 23 | 8:15 p.m. | 49ers-Vikings | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Oct. 30 | 8:15 p.m. | Raiders-Lions | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Nov. 6 | 8:15 p.m. | Chargers-Jets | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Nov. 13 | 8:15 p.m. | Broncos-Bills | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Nov. 20 | 8:15 p.m. | Eagles-Chiefs | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Nov. 27 | 8:15 p.m. | Bears-Vikings | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Dec. 4 | 8:15 p.m. | Bengals-Jaguars | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Dec. 11 | 8:15 p.m. | Packers-Giants | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Dec. 18 | 8:15 p.m. | Chiefs-Patriots | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Monday, Dec. 25 | 8:15 p.m. | Ravens-49ers | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Saturday. Dec. 30 | 8:15 p.m. | Lions-Cowboys | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Saturday, Jan. 6 | 4:30 p.m. | TBD | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes |
| 8:15 p.m. | TBD | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes | |
| Monday, Jan. 15 | 8:15 p.m. | Super Wild Card Game | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes |
| Jan. 20 or Jan. 21 | TBD | Divisional Playoff Game | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes |
Viewers who tune in may see an opening segment aimed at luring big crowds. ESPN said Monday that it would open “Monday Night Football” with a new music video featuring Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana performing the Phil Collins hit “In The Air Tonight.” Traditionalists need not worry: “Heavy Action,” the longtime “MNF” theme, remains a part of the proceedings.
Source: Variety