HBO is reportedly trying to bring Bill Simmons over to the network. This almost makes too much sense for Simmons and HBO. A half-hour show, documentaries, and the digital content fall in line with the current direction of the HBO brand. Plus, HBO is not in bed with the NFL, MLB or NBA, Simmons could attack anyone and then HBO will let the video go viral.
From The Hollywood Reporter:
Considerably more likely is Simmons, whom the network is said to have made a big play for after his unceremonious booting from the more corporate ESPN. Such a move would be straight out of the HBO playbook, which famously provided a creative reprieve for former ABC flameout Bill Maher many years earlier. Though Simmons is said to have several suitors, insiders say conversations at HBO have focused on a TV show — something Simmons is believed to want — along with heavy digital extensions that make the prolific personality tailor-made for the HBO Now era.
We launched Grantland 4 years ago today. It's still alive and kicking. Here's just about everyone who made that happen…
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 8, 2015
