Pardon My Take: The Evolution of Barstool Sports' Comedy Powerhouse
In the crowded landscape of digital media, few shows have captured the intersection of sports and satire as effectively as Pardon My Take (PMT). Launched by Barstool Sports, this comedic sports podcast has grown from a niche project into a global media phenomenon, blending high-profile interviews with absurd inside jokes and a unique brand of irreverent humor.
Hosted by the duo of Dan "Big Cat" Katz and PFT Commenter, the show debuted on February 29, 2016. Its ascent was nearly instantaneous, hitting the number one spot on the US iTunes charts just two days after its release. Since then, it has evolved from a standard audio podcast into a multi-platform brand, eventually securing an exclusive video partnership with Netflix in January 2026.
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Key Facts
- Hosts: Dan "Big Cat" Katz and PFT Commenter.
- Launch Date: February 29, 2016.
- Frequency: Released three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
- Reach: Typically attracts between 750,000 and 1.5 million listeners per episode.
- Major Accolades: Named one of the best podcasts of 2016 by Apple and winner of "Best Sports Podcast" at the 2026 IHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
- Distribution: Video podcasts aired exclusively on Netflix starting in 2026.
The Format and Evolution of the Show
A typical episode of Pardon My Take is structured in three distinct parts, usually running between 120 and 180 minutes. The show begins with a recap of current sports news, followed by an interview with a guest—ranging from professional athletes like Blake Griffin and Brooks Koepka to journalists and celebrities. The episodes conclude with a series of recurring original segments.
Signature Segments and Traditions
The show is famous for its unique segments, such as "Hot Seat, Cool Throne," "Who's Back of the Week," and "Fyre Fest of the Week." For years, the show was defined by its musical bookends: "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant at the start and a remix of "Take On Me" by A-ha at the end. However, due to copyright issues, these were replaced by original YouTube intro and outro music on August 27, 2024.
The show also hosts the annual "Takies," an award show that celebrates the year's best and worst in sports and pop culture. In 2016, interviews often ended with a set of three specific questions, including whether the guest "washed their apples" and a provocative final question that the guest was told they didn't have to answer.
Adapting to Global Events
During the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the show pivoted to maintain its three-day-a-week schedule despite the sports hiatus. The hosts introduced reviews of popular media, such as Tiger King and Love Is Blind, and launched a Dungeons and Dragons segment on May 23, 2020, featuring Timm Woods as the Dungeon Master. This era also saw the birth of "Mount Flushmore," a series where the hosts rank various non-sports topics.
The Culture of PMT: Games and Trophies
The Lottery Ball Machine
Introduced on August 28, 2020, the Ping-Pong Ball Lottery Machine became a staple of the show's closing minutes. Staff and hosts guess a number between 1 and 100, with results now tracked on the dedicated website Pardon My Balls. One of the most legendary moments occurred when producer Hank ended a 988-day losing streak on May 12, 2023.
Blake of the Year (BOTY)
The "Blake of the Year" is an annual summer competition featuring individuals named Blake (or those who embody "Blake-like" qualities). The competition has evolved through various formats, including phone response times, lottery draws, trivia, and Zoom call speed tests. Blake Griffin currently holds the record for the most wins with five titles.
The Lowman Trophy
In a nod to the unsung heroes of football, the show created the Lowman Trophy to honor the best fullback in college football. Winners have included players from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kansas State, with Max Bredeson of the Michigan Wolverines taking the honor in 2025.
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Production and Staffing
While Big Cat and PFT Commenter are the faces of the show, a robust booth staff manages the production. Max Dolente currently serves as the head producer, having taken over the role in 2022. The team also includes specialized roles for graphics (Shane Amerio), social media (Memes), and editing (Kolten Jones and Jack Wyper).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sports Comedy |
| Provider | Barstool Sports |
| Release Date | February 29, 2016 |
| Episode Length | 120–180 Minutes |
| Video Platform | Netflix (since Jan 2026) |
| Publication | Pardon My Book (2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosts Pardon My Take?
The podcast is hosted by Dan "Big Cat" Katz and PFT Commenter (Eric Sollenberger), with Henry "Hank" Lockwood serving as the current third-chair.
How often is the podcast released?
Pardon My Take is released three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
What is the "Blake of the Year" competition?
It is an annual competition held during the Takie Awards where participants named Blake compete in various challenges to determine who best embodies the qualities of a "Blake."
Where can I watch the video version of the podcast?
Starting in January 2026, the video podcasts are featured exclusively on Netflix.
What is the Lowman Trophy?
The Lowman Trophy is an annual award given by the PMT crew to the best fullback in college football.
Why did the show change its intro and outro music?
The show removed "Electric Avenue" and "Take On Me" on August 27, 2024, due to copyright issues, replacing them with original YouTube music.