Cable nets offer Super Bowl halftime alternatives

Reuters ^ | Wed Jan 30, 2008 | Steven Zeitchik

[Berlin_Freeper]

For fans unmoved by the prospect of a Tom Petty Super Bowl halftime show, the cable industry has an answer. Many answers, in fact.

There's grown men stuffing themselves with eggs and ham. There's Deion Sanders skirmishing with his wife over household chores. There's kittens squaring off on a football field.

After five years of letting the Super Bowl halftime show air pretty much uncontested, networks are again taking aim at the extravaganza. Sensing vulnerability in the NFL's decision to cast the rock musician known for "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl" as its headline entertainment, nets are in a counter programming frenzy.

"We see an opportunity at halftime because young viewers may not be into watching a musical performance suited to older guys," Spike TV representative David Schwarz said. "To get the competitive juices flowing, we have a better idea."

Spike's idea is to show an eating contest featuring the likes of Eater X, Tim "Gravy" Brown" and rising star (in the eating world, anyway) Joey Chesnut. Spike will telecast an undercard of hard-boiled-egg consumption (world record: 65) as well as a ham-eating main event. The network will cut to the competition as soon as the first-half Super Bowl whistle blows on Fox.

[Berlin_Freeper]

So much to view, so little time...

[BenLurkin]

There's grown men stuffing themselves with eggs and ham.

Deviled eggs and ham? -- yum!

[AU72]

Half time shows have been far worse in the past.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

But do I want to miss Tom Petty exposing his breast?

[TomGuy]

The NFL has tried to prevent ‘regional’ superbowls.

This year, they didn’t succeed. The one draw for those outside the northeast is the Patriots’ no-loss season record and whether they can continue it.

Otherwise, I will probably watch a movie or something and switch over occasionally to check the score.

[newgeezer]

The one draw for those outside the northeast is the Patriots’ no-loss season record and whether they can continue it.

Actually, the real draw is the same as always: the commercials.

[Raymann]

Same here, I’m a Saints fan myself (laugh it up) but I’ll watch it anyway...how do you not watch the Superbowl?

[PfromHoGro]

PUPPY BOWL 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cuttnhorse]

How do I get in that contest??

[mtbopfuyn]

There’s a ballgame on this weekend?

[Dahoser]

The best of all time was the In Living Color halftime show.

[RabidBartender]

Seriously, Tom Petty?

I like his music, but has he done anything since the early ‘90s? Who’s next year - the Steve Miller Band? Pat Benatar? Menudo?

[wally_bert]

I will leave it on the Puppy Bowl the whole time. I used to love the game but lost interest in the mid 80's. It is rare for me to watch a couple of minutes anymore.

[tlb]

The last two years I’ve watched the Puppy Bowl. Much more mature level of play then the tennis shoe endorsers on parole.

[dfwgator]

At least Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers actually *gasp* play musical instruments.

[napscoordinator]

They should just get rid of the half time show and get a good twenty minutes of funny commercials to fill the time. I bet people would love that. Or what about a tv show that they are trying to have catch on...Just a thought.

[RabidBartender]

As do the guys from Journey, Reo Speedwagon, Kansas, Bad Company, 38 Special - but the only time I hear of these guys, it’s at state fairs and indian casinos.

Any bets on what 3 songs he’ll probably play?

Free Falling
American Girl
Don’t Do Me Like That

[Veggie Todd]

Deviled eggs and ham? -- yum!

Why not have Green Eggs and Ham for the kiddies?

[N. Theknow]

The NFL pre-game and halftime shows have always been less entertaining than.....

Wonder who has been tagged to screw-up the National Anthem this year?

[ml/nj]

Is there a swimsuit contest?

ML/NJ