Cheap Seats
·2004 - 2014·30m·4S·ended
Cheap Seats without Ron Parker, commonly shortened to Cheap Seats, is a television program broadcast on ESPN Classic hosted by brothers Randy and Jason Sklar. The brothers appear as fictional ESPN tape librarians who amuse themselves by watching old, campy sports broadcasts and wisecracking about them. Cheap Seats debuted on February 4, 2004, with an episode that showed ESPN sportscaster "Ron Parker" getting buried under a shelf full of tapes, forcing the Sklars to fill in, as they were behind Parker on the "hosting depth chart". The founding production team behind "Cheap Seats" included Mark Shapiro, Showrunner, Todd Pellegrino, James Cohen and Joseph Maar. Cheap Seats was originally an hour-long program. There were about 10 one hour-long episodes in the first season, all of which were subsequently cut down to fit a 30 minute time slot.
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4Cheap Seats, a new show hosted by Ron Parker, was slated for launch on ESPN Classic. But a horrible tragedy in the ESPN Tape Library derailed the smug sportscaster's career. Longtime tape librarians Randy and Jason were forced to take over. Like Brady for Bledsoe and Gehrig for Pip, Randy and Jason had just one, single-minded focus: Get the job done. And get it done funny. And get better haircuts. And clean up the tape library a little. The result: two guys with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of videotapes at their disposal.
Randy and Jason delve into the bygone era of Pro-Wrestling, when a pair of Speedos and a potbelly virtually guaranteed you a spot on the show. The Iron Sheik headlines the Main Event. Guest appearance…
Witness the startling similarities uncovered between the 1982 Stanford-Cal college football game featuring 'The Play' and the 1984 screen epic, 'Revenge of the Nerds.' John Elway and Ted McGinley are …
Globe-hop with legendary announcers Keith Jackson and Al Michaels in ABC's Wide World of Sports. It's Cliff Diving from Acapulco, Wrist-Wrestling from Petaluma and Ice Boat Racing from some frozen lak…
It's Steve Garvey's Celebrity Billfish Tournament and Bobby Bonilla's Celebrity Bowling Tournament. Find out which not-quite-Hall-of-Famer gets the bigger stars, and who abuses the term ""benefit"" as…
Check out the most memorable Bee in recent history as 13-year old Rebecca Sealfon takes the Spelling community by storm as she battles youngsters from across these United States for the much-coveted t…
It’s the once-great sport of Roller Derby reduced to a place where divorced dads can bring their kids on the weekend and get drunk.
It's the second ever World's Strongest Man competition. From Universal Studios, see events like the Girl Lift and the Tram Pull. Featuring NFL players, Olympic power lifters, and the legendary Polish …
Travel back to the Golden Age of 1994 when ESPN aired this most breathtaking of sports hybrids. Witness the searing drama when three former Olympic Gold medalists join forces with the canine superstar…
It's the event that inspired Battle of the Network Stars. Randy and Jason watch the biggest sports stars of their day—Steve Garvey, Deacon Jones, Dwight Stones, and Wayne Grimditch (that's right, Wa…
What makes a real man? Cheap Seats turns to the Wide World of Sports archives in search of true masculinity. Is it the he-men of the 1971 World Weightlifting Championships? Is it Arnold Schwarzenegger…
Cheap Seats heads to Binion's Horseshoe in Vegas for the Silver Anniversary of the World Series of Poker. The competition heats up as the winner of this tournament takes home his weight in silver in a…
Party Canadian-style as Cheap Seats features Wayne Gretzky's second NHL game ever and the first NHL game played in Edmonton. You'll also meet the man who Gretzky replaced in the starting lineup. Guest…
Which bitch barks the loudest? You be the judge when our nation's finest canines go at it at the International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show and our nation's finest universities sic their cheerleadi…
Bowling? Sure, have a few drinks. Running from a thousand pounds of angry bovine? You're probably better off with a Shirley Temple. Will the contestants in this episode agree?
It makes perfect sense—horses speeding around tight curves… on a sheet of solid ice. Plus Jim McKay, doing his best Sherlock Holmes impression—tooling around England in a car older than he is and chic…
Watch abstract events determine concrete titles. It's a show where successfully pulling a fire truck with a harness attached to your chest improves your chances of being deemed world's strongest man, …
What happens when you try to spice up two sports that should only be played and never watched? You get NFL players teamed up with Billiards players they could swallow and a young Berman calling a spor…
In their 4th installment of this ABC Sports staple, Randy and Jason delve into the worlds of Lumberjacking and Cyclo Ball. Chopping, oiling, log rolling, and a little tree-climbing mixed with a touch …
"Putt-Putt" Would you believe that professional mini-golf players can make over a million dollars a year? If so, then you're gullible because they can't; although that doesn't stop them from pursui…
Join the sports superstars of their day, and Joe Frazier, in chilly Rotonda, Florida, as they battle each other in such extreme sports as golf, bowling, and ping pong in a bid to be named 1973's most …
Just eight seconds to glory—that's all Luke Perry ever asked for. Take the bumpy ride with Randy and Jason at the George Paul Superstar Bullriding Classic. Then we bring it waaaaaaaay down for some La…
They're young, they're awkward, they're geeky. In short, easy targets. So join us as we shamelessly take aim at some of the smartest kids in the world as they compete in the 1994 National Spelling Bee…
In this episode, the guys watch women compete in a sport that began as an activity to root on the men. Watch as high school students shake their pom poms in an effort to get the big trophy.
Yeah, it's fake, but it's how they fake it that matters. Join a bunch of out-of-shape middle-aged men that include Dick "the Bulldog" Brower and "Tex" McKenzie as they struggle with body hair, identit…
It’s the once-great sport of Roller Derby reduced to a place where divorced dads can bring their kids on the weekend and get drunk. Join 110-year-old Ralphie Valladeras as he and the LA T-Birds battle…
Randy and Jason Sklar, hosts of the ESPN Classic series "Cheap Seats" and die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fans, meet Jose Oquendo, the man they wish to see enshrined forever among baseball's greatest pla…
Cheap Seats, a new show hosted by Ron Parker, was slated for launch on ESPN Classic. But a horrible tragedy in the ESPN Tape Library derailed the smug sportscaster's career. Longtime tape librarians Randy and Jason were forced to take over. Like Brady for Bledsoe and Gehrig for Pip, Randy and Jason had just one, single-minded focus: Get the job done. And get it done funny. And get better haircuts. And clean up the tape library a little. The result: two guys with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of videotapes at their disposal.
The inaugural season of Cheap Seats was filled with both highlights and lowlights. From Steve Garvey bill fishing to Rebecca Sealfon spelling, it was an undertaking of epic proportions and filled with…
The Karate Kid's got nothing on Randy and Jason. In this episode, the brothers offer up their martial arts expertise and overdubbing skills as they watch the 2002 Creative Breaking Championships from …
Lake Placid, NY probably hasn't seen a competition that rivals the inaugural Great Outdoor Games. Guns, romance, chopping wood. Desperate Housewives wishes it had drama like this. Don't miss the shock…
This is not your grandmother's Scrabble. In the 21st century, Scrabble is a world of bingo, shot clocks, hugging, and rabid fans. Make a mistake on the board, and be prepared to be verbally assaulted …
Randy and Jason display their love of animals as they visit the Frog Jumping Championships, The San Francisco Cat Show, & The Hambletonian. People do many strange things to their pets, some more stran…
Jason and Randy head back to Las Vegas for another installment of the World Series of Poker. It's back to Las Vegas and 1998 for another installment of the World Series of Poker. This episode feature…
This one's got it all. The return of Pam Minick, heroic rodeo clowns, $2000 belt buckles, ten gallon hats, ten-inch long mustaches, and the shameless celebration of animal cruelty. It's the 1988 Final…
Randy and Jason investigate the world of Gimmick Sports, featuring the Harlem Globetrotters, Hot Dog Skiing, and Trick Shot Billiards. What would the world of sports be without gimmicks? A bunch of sp…
The Sklar brothers delve into America's pastime as they visit Dodger Stadium for the 1980 MLB All-Star Game. After watching this episode, your notion of the Mid Summer Classic will never be the same. …
Looking to spice up your lackluster sporting event? Just add ice ... and some biting commentary from Randy and Jason. It's motorcycle racing and barrel jumping on ice, a very cool look at the Wide Wor…
After the historic 1994 debut of Superdogs! Superjocks! they brought the event back in 1995 for an equally painful sequel. Join Randy and Jason as they watch Poacher the Golden Retriever upstage Dan O…
Spending too much time in the sun can be hazardous to your health, so stay inside and watch Randy and Jason make fun of skateboarding's less than radical beginnings and sail boarding from the 80s.
The final ABA All-Star game lives in sports legend as the origin of the slam dunk competition and, as with many legends, their greatness is exaggerated. Randy and Jason find out the art of the slam ha…
The Kansas City Royals' 5'5" Freddie Patek taking on the Dallas Cowboys' 6'5" Harvey Martin doesn't seem like a fair match, unless the events are swimming and canoeing. Randy and Jason discover that j…
Cheap Seats, a new show hosted by Ron Parker, was slated for launch on ESPN Classic. But a horrible tragedy in the ESPN Tape Library derailed the smug sportscaster's career. Longtime tape librarians Randy and Jason were forced to take over. Like Brady for Bledsoe and Gehrig for Pip, Randy and Jason had just one, single-minded focus: Get the job done. And get it done funny. And get better haircuts. And clean up the tape library a little. The result: two guys with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of videotapes at their disposal.
Here at Cheap Seats we often embrace some or all of 7 Deadly Sins so it's only natural that something dealing with Gluttony would intrigue us. Watch for Japanese eating machine Kobayashi as he tries …
More smart kids who need to get out more. Yes, it's another Spelling Bee and we do a little home schooling in our own language of origin, so check it out.
Our salute to women in sports, get your poles out (stop that train of thought) for some Bass Fishing. Then it's two women in the squared circle for a little womano a womano. Finally we look back at An…
Where's the windmill, the Castle with the moat, the oversized clown head on 18? That's what we asked as two teams of kids square off for the 1995 Junior Putters Association Championship. Then it's …
Have you ever wondered if strong men can throw stuff farther if they are wearing kilts? If so, you're in luck because we got lots of that but keep your fingers crossed that the wind doesn't pick up. …
Blair Thomas, Ty Detmer, Jo Paterno and a cast of tens square off in a touchdown fiesta. You'll see what was called "the best catch of the decade" and be sure to watch for the visit to Sea World. We h…
Think you got the skills to pay the bills? Quite honestly we don't think you do, so we put together a show featuring guys who can. First up it's the 1995 High School Slam Dunk Contest and 3-point shoo…
Started by Donald Trump and taking place at his Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, it's the World Series of Poker's combed-over half-brother. Top player and top antagonist Phil Helmuth is at the final…
Randy and Jason take Cheap Seats on the road in a quest to try and save Busch Stadium from it's planned demolition. They'll let nothing, including already well-laid architectural and demolition plans …
Three words: Ann Rogers Clark. The Dog Show Aficionado returns for more examination of a dog's nether regions. Randy and Jason even pay tribute to Ann with a special Def Poetry Jam. Then it's off to C…
It's back to Rotonda, FL and another installment of the Superstars. The esteemed Keith Jackson is on hand to host with some help by Reggie Jackson and Bruce Jenner though one could argue they harm mor…
Randy and Jason take a road trip to the rolling hills and glowing trees of New Jersey to spend an episode watching some ICW Wrestling from fan Gina Mitolo's couch. They'll ransack her house, exploit h…
It's the last episode of Season 3 and Charles Barkley always taught us to finish strong. It's an all-star cast featuring Rebecca Sealfon the year before she won the whole Bee, the Quiet Storm Prem Tri…
Cheap Seats, a new show hosted by Ron Parker, was slated for launch on ESPN Classic. But a horrible tragedy in the ESPN Tape Library derailed the smug sportscaster's career. Longtime tape librarians Randy and Jason were forced to take over. Like Brady for Bledsoe and Gehrig for Pip, Randy and Jason had just one, single-minded focus: Get the job done. And get it done funny. And get better haircuts. And clean up the tape library a little. The result: two guys with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of videotapes at their disposal.
Enter the sacred arena where the episodes you see on air are developed, written and shot. On this special episode we take a look at the intense physical and psychological preparations that go in to ma…
Lingering questions are answered and familiar faces return for the conclusion of the 96' Bee. While Rebecca Sealfon concentrates on word origins and crazy people impersonations, Randy and Jason conce…
Roller skates may be considered passé today, but it doesn’t take long to see why they rocked in the 80’s. We take pride in bringing you the most exciting sport involving competitors racing around an o…
With the help of Evel Kneivels life, we answer the burning question that no one has asked. Is it possible to tell the story of a man in a ½ hour (23 minutes if you take into consideration commercials)…
As if getting beat by your own boss isn’t sufficient, here’s a competition where you can lose to bosses and employees from other companies. Three legs will race, tricycles will be mounted, and jobs wi…
Here at Cheap Seats we often embrace some or all of 7 Deadly Sins so it's only natural that something dealing with Gluttony would intrigue us.
Some of the world's strongest men gather, not to chat, but to perform amazing though impractical feats of strength. That is unless you consider being able to hold two mini Liberty Bells for as long as…
Sport or Hobby? Some men take themselves too seriously and the next thing you know hobbies are called sports, championships are held, and people who have no business being on TV, get their 15 minutes …
Future stars show that they have always been stars. Kobe, Baron Davis and Shane Battier are a few competing in the dunk contest and 3 point shootout. A young Ron Artest is also there, and believe it o…
Garvey and his gang of C-listers return for a free vacation on the slopes. Buck Rogers is there but sadly no Twiggy. Floorwax returns and brings some new material to the mountain.
Mil Mascaras, Dick "The Bulldog" Brower, Ernie Ladd, and others do their best to make wrestling look both, like a “sport”, and what people outside the business call “real.” We’ll allow them to do ther…
The Karate Kid's got nothing on Randy and Jason. In this episode, the brothers offer up their martial arts expertise and overdubbing skills as they watch the 2003 ISKA Karate Championships.
Does calling a sport unbelievable automatically make it unbelievable? We argue no, in an episode that looks at three sports that would not exist if the men and women competing were not unbelievably bo…
We are taught at a young age that animals have feelings too, but what they don’t tell you is that these animals, if used properly, can be a source of income and sport. Men gather rattlesnakes in the A…
We look at the 1991 version of the granddaddy of them all. We look back at a time when the Rose Bowl was just the Rose Bowl, presented by no one, but for everyone. When Keith Jackson had yet to retire…
Randy and Jason debate which is better, Snow or Sand.
Radical is an early 90's adjective that has thankfully faded from the American vernacular, but sadly ROC's unradical host, Ryan Seacrest hasn't. Watch as miserable unpaid children run through mud, swi…
The guys watch various auto related events.
Randy and Jason skewer both male and female bodybuilding.
The 1998 Corporate Sports Battle.
The guys watch the 1998 and 1999 College Bowling Championships with the first hosted by David Allan Grier.
The brothers watch Florentine Football, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Mongolian Wrestling.
The Sklar brothers watch excerpts from the 1988 NFL and the 1986 MLB Arm Wrestling Championships.
This batch of unbelievable sports include skim boarding, arctic snow and go, yo-yo and sumo wrestling.
In the second installment of Pimpin' Your Pet the guys watch sports that feature horses, elephants and bulls.
In the final episode of Cheap Seats, the Sklar brothers watch excerpts that were not long enough to warrant an entire episode.