Author: Newsroom
Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Tennis Channel Studios (TC Studios), in partnership with DLP Media Group presents RIVALS, a compelling look at the high-profile, storied college football matchup between two of the top Division I football programs in NCAA history—University of Michigan and Ohio State University—narrated by Academy Award-winning actor J.K. Simmons (who was born in Michigan but remains a rabid Ohio Buckeyes fan) and created by L. Jon Wertheim (Tennis Channel reporter, 60 Minutes correspondent, Sports Illustrated senior writer).
RIVALS takes a deep dive into the rivalry between the two teams offering viewers a unique perspective from legendary football players, sports journalists and announcers, scientists historians, and more. Among them are Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner; legendary players Dan Dierdorf and Keith Byars; broadcasters Rich Eisen (a rabid Michigan Wolverines fan) and Joel Klatt; historians Jack Park and journalist John Bacon; and veteran journalists from Ann Arbor, MI and Columbus, OH, the respective homes of Michigan and Ohio State. The two-hour documentary special reveals the science and the conflict behind what makes this sports rivalry so compelling, it is historically revered as “The Game.”
RIVALS is executive produced by L. Jon Wertheim and Ken Solomon (Tennis Channel president). It is produced by 10-time Emmy winning sports producer Michael Hughes and DLP Media (ESPN 30 for 30) and directed by Peter Karl (The Long Game, American Fútbol).
RIVALS debuts in local markets throughout November across the Bally Sports regional sports networks (RSNs), Bally Sports+, Marquee and YES Network, along with the Sinclair broadcast stations, with a nationwide debut on Tennis Channel Sunday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m./ET. This expansive distribution approach schedules the film to air immediately following highly viewed NBA, NHL and other events on the RSNs and stations, which often lead their local markets in ratings. Michigan and Ohio State—both members of the Big Ten Conference—are scheduled to play Saturday, November 26.
Updated program schedules, a channel finder, show promos, and additional information about RIVALS is at RivalsDocuseries.com, which also offers viewers enter-to-win prize pack opportunities.