Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel Returns on January 26 With New “The Real Sports Podcast”

Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel will return for its 27th season on Tuesday, Jan. 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT). The series is available on HBO and to stream on HBO Max.

New to this season is the launch of “The Real Sports Podcast,” a companion series built to expand on the in-depth stories that are featured on the network’s 33-time Sports Emmy-winning show. The first episode will be available the week of January 26.

Hosted by Real Sports segment producer Max Gershberg, ‘The Real Sports Podcast’ will amplify the long-running newsmagazine series’ reporting and storytelling with additional interviews, special excerpts and behind-the-scenes details that offer listeners further insights into the show.

Each month will feature two new episodes: one that expands on a segment from the most recent show that will be available shortly after the HBO premiere, while the other will delve into Real Sports’ extensive archives to highlight and elaborate on a classic segment.

New episodes will be available wherever podcasts can be found.

Segments from the January 26 premiere include:

• The Oregon Project: Correspondent David Scott examines Nike’s controversial ‘Oregon Project.’
  • Producer: Max Gershberg.
• Black & Blue. Correspondent Jon Frankel reports on the inspiring story of how a group of Minneapolis police officers not only coached Minneapolis North High School to become a perennial powerhouse – but helped bridge communities and build trust with the next generation of kids, now even more challenging in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
  • Producer: Chapman Downes.
• The Long Haul: Real Stories details stories of COVID-19 ‘long haulers,’ athletes who continue to suffer debilitating symptoms months after contracting the virus. Among those interviewed include former track and field collegiate athlete Natalie Hakala; New York Liberty’s Asia Durr of the WNBA; Dr. Emily Brigham of Johns Hopkins Post-Acute COVID-19 clinic; and Division III women’s college hockey player Nicole Knudson, among others. Correspondent Mary Carillo reports.
  • Producer: Jake Rosenwasser.

The executive producer of Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel is Joe Perskie.