VICE SPORTS INTRODUCES "THE GRUDGE," A NEW SERIES SURE TO HOLD YOUR ATTENTION

Narrated by Former NFL Linebacker Will Compton, THE GRUDGE Premieres Wednesday, March 26 at 10:00 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK (March 5, 2025) - Adding to its fast-growing sports programming slate, VICE Sports today introduces THE GRUDGE, a new half-hour, 12-episode primetime series airing weekly on Wednesdays beginning March 26 (10:00-10:30 PM ET/PT) on VICE TV. The new show will relive and unpack many of sports' most intense personal and team rivalries, exploring the egos, history, and high-stakes drama that turn ordinary interaction into unforgettable battles.

Delivering something for everyone, each controversy-laced episode of THE GRUDGE digs into the grievances between teams and top sports personalities in football, basketball, MMA, baseball, hockey, golf, and more. Former NFL linebacker and co-host of the Bussin' With The Boys podcast Will Compton narrates the show.

Says Compton, "I couldn't be more fired up to be teaming with VICE Sports for THE GRUDGE. Witnessing the chaos in NFL locker rooms and being a massive fan of the rivalries that unfold in sports - this show is everything you want. They are some of the most iconic stories that take a deeper dive into the passion, hate, and bad blood that fuel the need to win."

Also featured are a cast of personalities including Rachel Bonnetta, retired NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty, former MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine, renowned NBA journalist Howard Beck, and others who will tell the stories of these intense animosities. In addition, the series contains nostalgic archival footage from witnesses, fans, players, and coaches closely connected to that week's story offering insights and opinions.

"Every episode of THE GRUDGE is a fast-paced, entertaining exploration of the hard feelings and bitterness that fuels the grudges carried between major sports personalities and teams," said VICE TV President, Pete Gaffney. "We plan to keep building our programming roster with compelling series like The Grudge and live sports events, like AF1 football and BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing until sports become synonymous with VICE TV."

Week one exposes the clashing egos, contrasting styles, and Hollywood-generated pressure that made the partnership between L.A. Lakers teammates Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, a ticking time bomb. Week two examines the feud between legendary baseball players Mike Piazza and Roger Clemens, showcasing game-time clashes and a NY rivalry with non-stop drama that exposes what happens when competition goes too far.

From there, the series will feature other dramatic confrontations: Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers; Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings; Terrell Owens vs. Donovan McNabb; Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov; Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen; Brooks Koepka vs Bryson DeChambeau; Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao; Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate; Jose Bautista vs. Rougned Odor; and Pat Riley vs. the Knicks.

THE GRUDGE is executive produced by Shane Ertter for VICE TV. Executive producers for VICE Studios Group include Lauren Terp, Andrew Freston, and Guillermo Garcia, with Christie Callan-Jones as showrunner.

As global demand for sports programming continues to grow, VICE Media recently launched the VICE Sports brand, coupled with a significantly expanded original sports programming strategy. VICE TV, the cable television network in partnership with A+E, has shifted its programming to a sports-first model (find VICE TV viewing and streaming options here). Recent VICE Sports premieres include debate series Brady vs Belichick: The Verdict, with host Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo; Calipari: Razor's Edge, a docuseries following the legendary coach in his first season with the Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team; and Pitino: Red Storm Rising, a backstage pass as Pitino returns sixth-ranked St. John's University to BIG EAST glory. VICE Sports also just introduced its first-ever live event, BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, and unveils live Arena Football One later this month. Overall, the company will produce more than 50 hours of sports-themed docuseries, programs, events, and podcasts for global distributors across television and digital.

ABOUT VICE MEDIA

VICE Media is a global media and entertainment company, focused on producing authentic, high-quality content across television, digital, film, news and branded advertising. The company has four main businesses in its portfolio: VICE Studios (award-winning television, documentary, film and digital production company); Virtue (full-service advertising agency), VICE TV (40M plus subscriber sports and entertainment cable network in partnership with A+E); and Pulse (leading commercials and music video production company).

Recent VICE Studios' content includes the hit UK series Gangs of London, MAX documentary Bama Rush and the newly launched VICE News podcast Shane Smith Has Questions (in partnership with Bill Maher's Club Random Studios). The company also has a joint venture with Savage Ventures to operate its VICE brand digital channels.