The Saturday schedule for some UK-based Premier League fans will receive a shake up in the coming weeks with popular TV show Soccer AM set to be axed.
The programme has been a regular feature of weekend football build up for almost three decades, following its initial airing in 1995, but Sky have made the call to remove it from listings in 2023.
The show has seen its popularity in the UK fluctuate in recent years, with criticism over old-fashioned and stereotypical attitudes met with changes in presenting and style from TV bosses.
However, despite the efforts of former England international Jimmy Bullard to revive its popularity, the show will not be renewed for the 2023/24 season.
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What is Soccer AM?
Soccer AM is football-based chat show aired on Saturday mornings on UK TV, featuring previews of the weekend's matches from guests, fans and former players.
Over the years, the programme has featured different segments, including fans of the week, 'Unbelieve Tekkers' and the dance off.
With the addition of former players involved as presenters and regular guests in recent years, the show has brought in fun audience participation games, including the crossbar challenge and 'You know The Drill'.
Still the greatest goal ever scored in the Soccer AM car park! 😍
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) May 19, 2019
Take a bow, Serge Pizzorno 👏 pic.twitter.com/qp10wEpbkK
Fans are rewarded with prizes if they can complete football challenges — often up against ex-professionals and celebrities on live TV.
Why is Soccer AM being axed?
While Sky have not not officially confirmed the axing, a Sky spokesperson said in a statement: "Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
"We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are under way."
Just heard that @SoccerAM is finishing at the end of the season. I had 14 years of going through Premier League & @EFL clubs dressing rooms. Training with Clubs for features & basically having a laugh 😂 Fun part of my time at Sky 🤣 pic.twitter.com/7FbqUonB2f
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) March 22, 2023
The broadcasting giants have not offered any further update on the reasons behind the move, with viewing figures a rumoured issue, as Sky try to reposition themselves.
When is last Soccer AM episode?
The final 10 episodes of the series will run in line with the last 10 Premier League fixtures of the 2022/23 season.
The final show is due to air in the UK on May 27, ahead of the final matchday of the Premier League campaign the following day.
Soccer AM past presenters
The programme has endured ups and downs in its overall popularity with the initial duo of Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy the most synonymous with the earlier years of Soccer AM.
The pair co-hosted for 12 years, from 1995 to 2007, before Lovejoy was replaced by Max Rushden, up until 2015.
Sky made a series of short term appointments to try and revive the show following Chamberlain's departure in 2017 with Bullard taking the reins in 2017.
| Presenters | Time on the show |
| Helen Chamberlain | 1995-2017 |
| Tim Lovejoy | 1995-2007 |
| Andy Goldstein | 2007-08 |
| Max Rushden | 2008-15 |
| John Fendley | 2015-present |
| Lloyd Griffith | 2017-2019 |
| Jimmy Bullard | 2017-present |
