The best comedy team on television today might just reside in the world of sports. I am talking about Gary Striewski and Randy Scott on ESPN’s SportsCenter: AM. Striewski and Scott embrace a similar strain of mischievous humor. Both have made names for themselves at ESPN separately, but when paired together, they create the kind of special chemistry that rarely happens on television.
SportsCenter anchors have long been known for sarcasm, humor, raised-eyebrow commentary, and general wisecracking, but Striewski and Scott take it to another level. From props and costumes to ribald humor, they are certainly a unique duo. Striewski and Scott have no envelope to push and no lines to cross. The result is a freewheeling and creative version of SportsCenter unlike any other. They are still decked out in suits and ties, but that’s where their similarities to other SportsCenter anchors end.
Striewski and Scott sound different and approach sports differently. Their whimsical, carefree style is ideal for the morning time slot. Great comedic teams play off each other, and Striewski and Scott are no exception. Their deadpan humor and spontaneous wit are highly effective.
On SportsCenter: AM, you truly get the feeling that neither anchor knows what the other is going to do or say next. SportsCenter: AM is scripted, of course, but with this pair, a sharp swerve away from that script is inevitable. If something quirky comes up in a highlight or sound bite, Striewski or Scott jumps all over it.
They remind me of two contemporary late-night talk show hosts: Craig Ferguson and Jimmy Fallon.