15 ’80s Sports TV Segments That Have Vanished
Here's a nostalgic roundup of 15 memorable sports TV segments from the 1980s that are no longer part of today’s broadcasts.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s brought a unique flavor to televised sports. We watched plenty of colorful hosts and innovative storytelling. Unfortunately, they eventually disappeared due to format shifts, audience preferences, or broadcast rebranding. This list looks back at the most iconic TV sports segments that once defined the decade but are now lost to time.
1. CBS Sports Spectacular
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A rotating showcase of unusual competitions and global events, from log rolling to arm wrestling. It felt like a sports grab bag and often featured obscure yet thrilling contests.
2. Wide World of Sports “Agony of Defeat” Intro
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That tumbling ski jumper became an icon for the segment’s emotional intensity. Every episode opened with this gripping montage.
3. NFL Today’s Chalk Talk
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Analysts used old-school telestrators to draw out plays and strategies mid-broadcast. It brought a classroom vibe to football TV but was eventually replaced with flashier tech.
4. This Week in Baseball (TWIB) Features
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Beyond game highlights, TWIB included lighthearted behind-the-scenes interviews and “blooper” reels. It gave baseball a personal, humorous touch. The segment was shelved when highlight shows went digital.
5. Olympic Profiles with Jim McKay
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Human-interest stories about athletes aired during Olympic coverage, giving depth to the games. McKay’s calm delivery made these profiles emotional and memorable.
6. Inside the NFL’s Voiceover Highlights
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Narrated by the deep voice of Harry Kalas or Pat Summerall, these highlight reels added drama to Sunday recaps. They felt like short documentaries, not just recaps.
7. ABC’s Monday Night Halftime Sketches
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These comedic sketches added levity to halftime, often spoofing teams or players. While sometimes awkward, they were a staple of the era’s looser tone.
8. NBC’s Baseball Game of the Week Trivia Segment
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Mid-inning trivia questions tested viewers’ sports knowledge live on air. It was fun, random, and interactive before the internet existed.
9. ESPN’s Scholastic Sports America
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A segment spotlighting standout high school athletes and their local stories. It gave exposure to rising stars before recruiting was big online. It ended as ESPN focused more on pro coverage.
10. Roller Games Recaps
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Part sports, part spectacle, this segment recapped roller derby-style action with over-the-top commentary. It was dramatic and outrageous — perfect for the era.
11. Pro Bowlers Tour Athlete Spotlights
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Weekly profiles on PBA bowlers highlighted their training, hobbies, and rivalries. It humanized a niche sport and gave it personality.
12. College Football’s “Player of the Week” Tape Delay Reel
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Often aired on Sundays, these highlight reels showed a star athlete’s best moments — after most had already seen the scores. Still, it brought deserved attention to top performers.
13. Skating Commentary “Edge Cam” Features
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Figure skating segments used slow-mo replays from low angles to explain edge work and technique. It was technical but engaging, especially for new viewers.
14. SportsCenter’s “Play of the Day” (Original Format)
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A single top play closed out the show with flair, often with a dramatic voiceover. It gave every broadcast a signature sendoff. It’s now morphed into longer top-10 lists.
15. Auto Racing’s Pit Crew Challenge Coverage
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A mini-competition within the race coverage that timed and showcased the fastest pit crews. It added tension and honored the team behind the driver.