Lou Canellis to host new nightly talk show on NBC 5 Chicago
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Lou Canellis. Photo: Courtesy of NBC 5
NBC 5 sports anchor Lou Canellis is branching out from behind the desk to host a new nightly show. This will be in addition to his duties as sports anchor.
The latest: "Tonight With Lou Canellis" will be a live, half-hour weeknight talk show featuring sports, entertainment, pop culture and special guests.
- The Toyota-sponsored show will air Monday through Friday at 6:30pm, starting Sept. 14.
Yes, but: This is less a news panel or sports highlight show and more a full-blown talk show, complete with a monologue, recurring segments, breaking news coverage and even viewer trivia.
What they're saying: "Lou has built a special connection with Chicago audiences through his authenticity, passion, and deep love for this city," NBC 5 president and general manager Kevin Cross said in a release.
- "Chicago isn't just my hometown, it's the only home I've ever known," Canellis added.
Zoom out: Canellis jumped to NBC 5 from Fox 32 last year to anchor the sports desk. He's also co-owner of the popular Avli restaurant group.
Flashback: There aren't too many instances in local broadcast history where a sports anchor has scored a talk show. WGN-TV's Pat Tomasulo hosted his own weekend show, "Man of the People," which was canceled in 2019.
The big picture: NBC 5 is making a big bet on local programming, taking over a 6:30pm slot that had been reserved for nationally syndicated content.
- Canellis' show will bump "Access Hollywood" from the lineup.
- His show will also stream on the station's website and app.
The bottom line: NBC 5 is betting that Chicagoans want more Chicago on their TVs.