The Archive Dive
While the Red Sox sit on break, someone is digging through old tapes. I spent my winter eating bad sandwiches just to hunt down that Pokey Leap from 2004. Instead, I found the catch Coco made. Per Over the Monster, the network used to have so much custom programming in the mid-2000s. They ran shows like The Remys and Sox Appeal back then. That era was the peak for the channel’s creative output. 2004. 2005. The numbers don’t lie about how much content vanished. Yesterday’s schedule just showed a rerun from 2005 with David Wells. The writer even attended that game and remembers the Trot inside-the-parker. It was fun to see, but it’s not enough for today. The network has become hit or miss over the last few years. We need more than just a replay of a game from two decades ago.
That replay just isn’t cutting it anymore.
Where Did The Swings Go?
NESN used to take bigger swings at content that fans actually loved. They released a documentary about the Spaceman piece on DVD. That was a real hit with the crowd. The network also tried a musical number called Go Red Sox. It was no Dirty Water, but it was unique and weird in a good way. A goofy PSA with Big Papi and the mayor also made people smile. Those ads showed a fun side of the city we miss now. They took risks. They made us laugh. Current programming feels safe and stale by comparison. The writer wonders if anyone even watches the restaurant show anymore. Maybe people should tune in to encourage more wonderful stuff. The All-Star Game had a segment about baseball and nostalgia that worked well. Pedro was on the mound, and the vibe felt right. Baseball isn’t gone, and NESN is still around, but the magic is missing.
Why play it safe when the stakes are this high?
Time For A New Era
We need to demand more from the network right now. It’s time to try again with bold ideas. Maybe we get a special or a game show soon. A Red Sox themed Bob Ross-style painting show would be a great hit. The Dave O’Brien or Middlebrooks awards could bring back some class. We should not wait until Payton Tolle retires many years from now to see change. Change can’t wait for a retirement party. The fans are ready for something new and weird again. The network has the tools to make great content. They just need to stop playing it safe with reruns. If you could get a show on the air at NESN, what would it be? Tell us your best idea for a new broadcast show in the comments below.
