26 February 2013
REFACING: G4TV has been rebranded as the Esquire Network.
By Aaron Sanders, Diversions Editor
First Olivia Munn and Adam Sessler. Then X-Play and Attack of the Show. Now the entire network has dissipated, but unlike the numerous causalities G4TV has suffered over the years, this latest change could possibly help the network instead of hurt it. Beginning 2013 April 22, G4TV, a channel recognized for its unabashed dedication to video games and other things nerd-dom, will evolve into the Esquire Network, a channel that will take after the popular men’s magazine and provide programming in food, travel, adventure, danger, women, fashion and humor along with gaming and technology.
Esquire magazine has been the leading voice of contemporary male culture for years and has finally decided to branch out into television. Keeping in tune with the focus of the magazine, the Esquire Network will premiere with a Drew Barrymore-produced food program called Knife Fight, a competitive cooking show where popular chefs duke it out while being judged by celebrities, critics and lovers of food. Another new series, The Getaway, will see Emmy-winner Anthony Bourdain and other well-known personalities as they take a film crew to their favorite cities around the world, sort of like Bourdain’s Travel Channel show No Reservations.
The Esquire Network does not, however, plan to completely eradicate G4TV programming. Fan-favorite show American Ninja Warrior will continue to air while shows from other channels like NBC’s Parks and Recreation and Starz’s Party Down find their new homes on the network.
Public reaction to the change in management of the gamer’s channel has been shaky to say the least. Loyal followers of G4TV have openly showed their disapproval of the shift, as they rightly should. G4TV has been the go-to location for all things gaming and technology for nearly a decade, providing exclusive coverage to huge events like E3 and Comic-Con and insightful analysis of the gaming business.
Sure, G4TV fans have Spike TV to get their E3 fix, but a hole will always be left in their hearts, for G4TV was a one-of-a-kind, intimate nerd channel that will be missed.
Courtesy of flawedgaming.com