HBO signs Bill Simmons for weekly talk show

Bill Simmons (COM’92), a former ESPN writer and commentator, has signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with HBO. According to the Time Warner-owned premium cable network, the deal symbolizes “a comprehensive partnership on a variety of platforms between the network and Simmons.”

Simmons’ deal with HBO will become effective in October and will join the ranks of similar weekly programs such as “Real Time with Bill Maher” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." In his new role, Simmons will host a show that features guests from the worlds of sports and culture. He will also assist with video podcasts and act as a consultant with HBO Sports.

“We have been fans of Bill Simmons and his work for a very long time,” said Michael Lombardo, HBO’s president of programming, in a prepared statement. “His intelligence, talent and insights are without precedent in the areas he covers. We could not be more thrilled for him to bring those talents to HBO and to become a signature voice at the network, spanning the sports and pop culture landscapes.”

Before his recent departure from ESPN, Simmons was best known for his website BostonSportsGuy.com and Grantland.com, where he served as editor-in-chief. Back in 2014, Simmons was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Communication, which recognized his professional and personal achievements.

In a statement regarding his HBO opportunity, Simmons said “It’s no secret that HBO is the single best place for creative people in the entire media landscape.”