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3w ago

Scripps Taps Mina Kimes and Michael Davies to Revamp National Spelling Bee Telecast

The change seeks to rebuild TV audiences following lower ratings on ION.

FILE - Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, reacts as he wins the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
FILE - Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, holds the trophy after winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
5/5/26
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Overview

  • Mina Kimes, named host on Tuesday, will lead the televised semifinals and finals in a sports-style presentation.
  • Embassy Row, led by Jeopardy! executive producer Michael Davies, will produce a refreshed broadcast that centers on the stakes and the winning moment.
  • The semifinals air Wednesday, May 27, from 8–10 p.m. ET on ION, with the live finals Thursday, May 28, from 8–10 p.m. ET on ION.
  • The 2026 Bee runs May 26–28 at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., where 247 spellers will compete for a trophy and more than $50,000 in prizes.
  • Scripps is making the shift after Nielsen figures showed stagnant or dipping finals viewership since the move from ESPN to ION, with 2025’s audience at 488,000.