Let’s all have a moment of silence for the channel that brought us X-Play and Attack of the Show.
NBC Universal execs have officially announced that G4 will become the Esquire Network as of April 22. According to the press release, “Esquire Network will expand on G4’s foundation of games, gear and gadgets to reflect the broad range of interests, passions and aspirations that define men today.” However, with both X-Play and Attack of the Show getting the axe, it looks like the Esquire Network will focus on men who care more about cuisine and travel than video games.
If the two new shows we know about are any indication, the channel will have a more “sophisticated” approach to male culture. The Getaway is a celebrity travel show hosted by Anthony Bourdain, and Knife Fight is described as an “underground cooking competiton.” One show that’s still sticking around: American Ninja Warrior. Looks like video games aren’t sophisticated enough, but watching athletes get pummeled on and obstacle course is fine.
Esquire Network will also include syndicates of popular shows, including Parks and Recreation and Party Down. The culmination of these efforts will amount to what NBC Universal exec Bonnie Hammer calls “an upscale Bravo for men.”
