Cartoon Network - The Big Game XXXVIII Open (Roadrunner vs. Coyote)

Len, Cris, Nick, and Jerry make their picks for who will win the Big Game, then it's off to Chuck Jones Stadium where Pat Summerall and John Madden are there to call the action. Sideline reporters are Bubba Smith and Scott Hamilton.

Like I said in the pregame clip, this is probably the best iteration of The Big Game - not only because it seems to have had the biggest budget, but because they really took the idea and ran with it. This is the only one where you actually see John and Pat, and the only one with sideline reporters. What makes this even funnier is that all of the overblown graphics elements that are used for comedic value here... are used with utmost seriousness on Fox and ESPN.

I like the little touches they put in the script as well. Madden goes on a long analysis on the value of the Desert Division vs. the Living Room Division... and mentions that they've been watching the Road Runner and Coyote with interest "since we began televising their games in October". October 1999 was, in fact, when Cartoon Network got the rights to air most of the Road Runner shorts, which had previously been the domain of Nickelodeon.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Cartoon
• Network
• Big
• Game
• XXVIII

[HazyChase20]

Holy crap, how did I miss this?

I mean, come on, a "Road House" reference? On CARTOON NETWORK?! Man, the stuff I missed...

[HulkieD]

The "Road House" reference was actually one of many movie references you wouldn't expect to see on Cartoon Network. During the heyday of their promo department, the network referenced "Scream", "The Shining", "Blair Witch Project", and "Pulp Fiction" (to name just a few).

The main difference between CN then and now (putting aside live action for a moment) is that now it's a kids network. Before it was a network that kids could watch. There's a difference.

[ukhistorian]

I cried in 2002 when they didn't show Big Game XXX.

[bluethunder25]

They should bring the Big Game back. We should make a petition to bring it back.

[bigglou]

Nice shout out to Chuck Jones. I miss these specials.

[SlapstickCoyote]

remember the big game XV when Daffy actually beat Bugs. Yeah that was great.

[SlapstickCoyote]

@ukhistorian you mean XV

[EMaster2006]

@HulkieD I remenber seeing those type of promos. My all time favorites were the two Scooby Doo promos that made a homage to Scream & Blair Witch Project. Way before I was old enough to see either movie of course.

[Erodriguez96]

Suck on That Nickelodeon

[MrTommyg024]

Not gonna lie, Pat Summerall's opening narration is epic here. ;)

[TheChicagoguy]

I was pissed when they did Duck vs Rabbit (that medieval version) instead of Big Game XXX

[EricBTXC]

@ukhistorian well since Looney Tunes is back they have too with Turner Sports sportscasters since Turner owns CN, TBS, TNT, and truTV!!

[Chaos2ThaWorld1]

i luv this

[bluesdance]

"BUBBA!!!!"