By: Jeremy Barr
The half-hour show will follow Ortiz as he looks for a new profession after retiring from the game.
After a career excelling on the baseball field, David Ortiz is getting a chance to become the star of his own television show. On Jan. 31, Fusion will premiere Big Papi Needs a Job, a 10-part series that will follow the future Hall of Famer as he tries his hand at a variety of new professions.
The jovial and funny Ortiz has already proved himself to be a charismatic presence on television. Ortiz served as an analyst for Fox Sports’ coverage of the 2017 Major League Baseball playoffs, earning mostly positive reviews.
“When we heard he was looking to do a show, we knew he would be a perfect fit for Fusion as we continue to evolve the network,” network president Daniel Eilemberg said.
During the course of the 30-minute show, Ortiz will be seen as a stadium tour guide, dog groomer, manicurist and musician.
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve never been known for sitting still — after 20 years on the field, I’m ready for something new,” Ortiz said in a prepared statement. “I’ve always been about trying new things, and this series is all about that. I’ve been meeting new people and having a lot of fun. I can’t wait for fans to come along for the ride.”
Fusion has long specialized in programming for a young, multicultural audience, and Eilemberg said that Ortiz is “an example for young Afro-Latinos who don’t see themselves reflected on television enough.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
