CineScope

Sports Challenge

Sports Challenge Poster

Sports Challenge was a sports-centered game show that aired in weekly syndication from 1971 to 1979, with a separate version that aired briefly on CBS weekends from May 20 to September 9, 1973. Dick Enberg was host. Johnny Gilbert, Art James, and John Harlan announced. The show was taped at the KTLA/Golden West studios in Los Angeles, with the exception of some shows taped at Metromedia Square. The show's theme throughout its run was an instrumental version of The Beatles' "Get Back" by Pat Williams, from his Verve Records album "Heavy Vibrations"; a different theme was briefly used for the 1977–1978 season, but the original theme replaced it for the show's final season.

0
Invalid date - Invalid date
Top Cast
Johnny GilbertDick Enberg
Watch Providers 🇬🇧
Currently no watch providers
Production Companies

Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Yankees Still
Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Yankees

Episode 1

The Yankees were notorious for belittling the Brooklyn Dodgers in October. This debut episode of Sports Challenge was no different. Brooklyn alumnus Don Drysdale brought the defeat crashing down when he blew a question about the Rams' defensive end Deacon Jones.

New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Lakers Still
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Episode 2

The Lakers had yet to win an NBA Championship at this time. But on Sports Challenge, they began a dynasty. In only the series' second show, the Purple and Gold began their streak of seven straight wins, which would be the Sports Challenge record until Joe McCarthy's Yankees came along in 1972.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Champions of Boxing Still
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Champions of Boxing

Episode 3

No overview available.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. NFL's Greatest Runners Still
Los Angeles Lakers vs. NFL's Greatest Runners

Episode 4

No overview available.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Francisco 49ers Still
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Francisco 49ers

Episode 5

No overview available.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cincinnati Reds Still
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cincinnati Reds

Episode 6

No overview available.

All-Time Great Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians Still
All-Time Great Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians

Episode 7

Instead of Rose, Bench and Tolan, the birthplace of professional baseball sends three Cincinnati legends to defend the Reds' Sports Challenge crown. They walk all over the Cleveland Indians. No surprise there: Cleveland was in the midst of its four-decade-long misfortune.

All-Time Great Cincinnati Reds vs. NFL Quarterbacks Still
All-Time Great Cincinnati Reds vs. NFL Quarterbacks

Episode 8

No overview available.

NFL Quarterbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Still
NFL Quarterbacks vs. Chicago Cubs

Episode 9

No overview available.

NFL Quarterbacks vs. California Angels Still
NFL Quarterbacks vs. California Angels

Episode 10

The California Angels make their first of many appearances on Sports Challenge. Immediately, the likes of Jim Fregosi and Andy Messerschmidt display the form that their successors would continue in later seasons.

California Angels vs. Boston Celtics Still
California Angels vs. Boston Celtics

Episode 11

One of the other all-time Sports Challenge favorites, the Boston Celtics, appears for the first time. And yes, Red Auerbach is going to light his cigar. There would be more to come.

Boston Celtics vs. Washington Senators Still
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Senators

Episode 12

During their dismal last season of existence, the Washington Senators (A.L.) baseball team makes its only Sports Challenge appearance. Most of the time, manager Ted Williams speaks for the team. That doesn't matter at all to the Celtics, who win their second straight.

Boston Celtics vs. Green Bay Packers Still
Boston Celtics vs. Green Bay Packers

Episode 13

No overview available.

Boston Celtics vs. Washington Redskins Still
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Redskins

Episode 14

No overview available.

Boston Celtics vs. 1951 New York Baseball Giants Still
Boston Celtics vs. 1951 New York Baseball Giants

Episode 15

No overview available.

Boston Celtics vs. NFL Hall of Famers Still
Boston Celtics vs. NFL Hall of Famers

Episode 16

No overview available.

NFL Hall of Famers vs. Baltimore Orioles Still
NFL Hall of Famers vs. Baltimore Orioles

Episode 17

No overview available.

Detroit Tigers' Pitchers vs. NBA Hall of Famers Still
Detroit Tigers' Pitchers vs. NBA Hall of Famers

Episode 18

No overview available.

NBA Hall of Famers vs. N.Y. Yankees' World Series Heroes Still
NBA Hall of Famers vs. N.Y. Yankees' World Series Heroes

Episode 19

No overview available.

NBA Hall of Famers vs. N.Y. Football Giants Still
NBA Hall of Famers vs. N.Y. Football Giants

Episode 20

No overview available.

N.Y. Football Giants vs. Chicago Blackhawks Still
N.Y. Football Giants vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Episode 21

No overview available.

N.Y. Football Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams Still
N.Y. Football Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams

Episode 22

No overview available.

Full Crew

No media available