ESPN Viewers Criticize Addition of Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith to Monday Night Countdown
Fans express frustration over perceived oversaturation and the on-air chemistry between the two personalities.
Viewers of ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the recent additions of Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith to the program's lineup. Complaints circulating on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), indicate that fans find the combination of the two personalities to be "unwatchable."
McAfee, who joined the "Monday Night Football" pre-game show as a full-time desk member this season, was joined by Smith for a guest appearance at SoFi Stadium during the Week 2 matchup between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. This pairing appears to have exacerbated existing criticisms of oversaturation regarding both Smith and McAfee across ESPN's programming.
"Best way to ruin the pre-game show is to not only put Pat Mcafee on, but then add Stephen A. Smith," one user wrote on X. Another commenter questioned, "WHO IS ASKING FOR MCAFEE AND STEPHEN A ON MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN? I NEED NAMES!!!"
Some viewers found the presence of both personalities to be excessive. "Using mute on the TV is not enough to silence these two loudmouths," read one comment. Another fan expressed frustration, stating, "It was absolute overkill when McAfee went double duty joining Countdown. Now SAS for absolutely no credible reason." The sentiment was echoed by another user who found their appearances "so BAD Stephen A and magafee are just unwatchable !!!! Damm it hurts my ears."
Stephen A. Smith is a consistent fixture on ESPN, hosting "First Take" for two hours daily, in addition to his radio show and appearances on "NBA Countdown." Pat McAfee hosts a two-plus hour show that follows Smith's, is part of "College GameDay," and has now added "Monday Night Countdown" to his responsibilities. Both personalities are also frequently featured in advertisements for sports betting and other services.
Reports suggest ESPN is investing significantly in these personalities, with contracts for Smith and McAfee reportedly costing between $80 million and $86 million combined.