Back of the Shop

Back of the Shop is a unique and engaging show coasted by Fox Sports 1 that began in 2014. With its unconventional format and setting, the show provides its viewers with a refreshing perspective on the world of sports, specifically centering on the culture of professional baseball. Its casual, behind-the-scenes vibe offers audiences an informal yet informative insight into the lives, characters, experiences, and personalities of athletes and sports personalities like never before.

The premise of Back of the Shop is quite unique, as it is hosted in the most unexpected of settings – the back of a barbershop. However, the catch is that this is no ordinary barbershop. It is the Jordan Sport Barbershop, located in the Bronx, New York City, and a popular haunt for numerous professional athletes who come here to get a trim and to unwind. This trendy spot is favored by players not only for its services but also because it offers a safe and free space where athletes can let loose, engage in unguarded conversations, share personal stories, and interact with their peers without the glare of the media.

In one corner of the shop, there is the room where the show is recorded. Here is where the guests, an eclectic mix of upcoming stars and iconic names in professional sports, host candid discussions about their experiences in the world of sports. They talk about their game strategies, dressing-room moments, their lives off the pitch, the challenges they face, and their learnings and insights.

The 2014 inaugural season was hosted by broadcasters and Fox Sports 1 personalities Ryan Ruocco and Jordan Schlansky. They were instrumental in shaping the casual and easy-going vibe of the show, providing the guests with an environment where conversation flowed freely and naturally. Their quest was always to probe more in-depth into the personal lives of the athletes, adding layers to their public persona, overshadowed by their professional achievements.

Thanks to its unique setting and laid back approach, Back of the Shop has interviewed a wide array of sports personalities from across the globe. Some of the notable names include David Ortiz, Gary Sheffield, and CC Sabathia from the world of baseball; as well as boxing legend Mike Tyson and basketball star Dwight Howard. Their candid interviews have offered viewers exclusive insights into the journey of these sports personalities, expanding on their grit and determination that extends beyond their skills on the field.

The most intriguing aspect of Back of the Shop isn't just the guests – it's the way the guests are encouraged to interact with each other. These spontaneous interactions often lead to colorful debates, humorous anecdotes, isolated insights, and shared experiences. This is where the real magic of the show lies, as rarely would audiences have the chance to witness such authentic, up-close, and unedited interactions of the athletes.

Produced by Mandalay Sports Media, Back of the Shop has gathered modest acclaim for its unique take on traditional sports shows and has created a different niche in the sports entertainment arena. It has brought the lives of athletes closer to their fans, showing them that while they may be extraordinary in their skills and talents, their problems, stories, victories, and failures are as human as anyone else’s. They too, face the ups and downs of life, juggle personal and professional lives, and deal with the stress of constant expectations and spotlight.

In conclusion, Back of the Shop is more than a casual sit-down with athletes – it is a friendly roundtable that elevates the camaraderie among the athletes, highlighting their stories and personalities, just as they are – unscripted, unfiltered, and unguarded. The show provides a unique look into the world of professional athletes, all from the back of a barbershop in the Bronx.