MLB Network is ending its show Intentional Talk after 16 seasons, and based on the hosts’ emotional reaction to making the announcement, it doesn’t seem like it was their idea.
The show opened on Monday with Siera Santos, Ryan Dempster, and Kevin Millar making the reveal. Millar, a former Major League Baseball star, has been with the show since its debut in 2011.
“There’s no easy way to put this,” Santos started the show. “After 16 incredible seasons, Intentional Talk is coming to an end.
“Countless laughs, unforgettable interview, and throughout every single iteration there has been one constant, and that is Kevin Millar,” Santos added, starting to get emotional. “Kevin, you are the heart of this show and I know you’re still processing the end of what you began.
Kevin Millar has been with the show for the entire 16 years
“Yes, Siera. Listen, this isn’t easy, okay?” Kevin Millar responded, then went on to talk about some of the people, including former host Chris Rose, who helped create the show and made it work. As he spoke, his co-hosts Ryan Dempster, another former MLB star, and Santos were visibly affected by what he was saying.
“I got a call a few days ago. I’m still processing,” Millar continued. “I’ve cried. I’ve taken walks. I don’t know how to handle it yet. I don’t know what the future is gonna hold. I don’t know. This is all new, and this is all real. … And no matter what’s going on, I want people to understand this at home. As a human being, married with four kids, you’ve got stuff, you got life going just like everybody else does right now, right? And you come home and you watch this show. And the fans of Intentional Talk, the one thing we’ve given you every single day is all we’ve got. I know one thing. I’ve given you everything I have over that one hour over 16 years, no matter what’s going on outside that door.”
The hosts didn’t give a specific reason why the show was canceled
The one thing Kevin Millar did not say in his lengthy speech is why the show is coming to an end. He said he thought the show was on the upswing, but five or six days ago he got the news that Intentional Talk was being canceled.
“Intentional Talk has been an MLB Network institution for 16 seasons, showcasing baseball’s great personalities and laugh-out-loud moments to generations of fans,” the network said in a statement.
“We share our gratitude with Siera Santos, Ryan Dempster and Kevin for the last four years and look forward to the trio and fans celebrating the show’s significant success and impact on the game during the World Series and a final show on Wednesday, November 4th.”