Danny Parkins’ future at FS1 is still in limbo.
Following the cancellation of Breakfast Ball, the network hasn’t announced what’s next for Parkins — or for any of the network’s personalities — aside from Joy Taylor. But there’s a strong expectation Parkins will stay put. He filled in for Nick Wright on First Things First earlier this week, and despite the show’s short run, Parkins signed a multi-year deal that pulled him out of Chicago and into New York.
That kind of commitment suggests Fox sees long-term value in him, even if Craig Carton winds up back at WFAN and Mark Schlereth returns to calling NFL games this fall.
With Wright and Colin Cowherd both in his corner, Parkins stands out as the most logical candidate to land another on-air role. And according to The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg, that’s exactly what’s expected. In the middle of publishing results from a Chicago sports media survey, Greenberg dropped a nugget that Parkins “should get on another show” at FS1, given the length of his contract.
What show that might be is anyone’s guess. There’s no room on The Herd or First Things First, where Parkins is currently filling in while Wright hosts the World Series of Poker Main Event final table. But the network hasn’t tipped its hand on anything else either. Tony Reali, Max Kellerman, and Kay Adams have all been floated. So have podcast-first ideas like All the Smoke or even an imported Barstool show.
Whether Fox wants to keep throwing debate shows against ESPN or pivot to a different kind of content, Parkins feels like someone they’re going to find a role for. After all, Parkins brings a lot to the table. He’s smart, measured, and knows how to drive a conversation without turning it into a shouting match. He’s a strong interviewer, has real chemistry with co-hosts, and brings credibility with younger audiences who want more substance in their sports talk. He’s also versatile enough to pivot between formats – radio, TV, and podcasts — and not miss a beat.
Whatever direction FS1 chooses, it’s hard to imagine a lineup that doesn’t include Danny Parkins in some form.