The NFL’s popular ‘RedZone’ broadcast returns for its 18th season. While there’s concern about commercials appearing on the previously ad-free program, host Scott Hanson has other plans. Currently, the approach is to have a limited number of 15-second commercials aired only between plays.
“There will be, what people define as commercials. The plan is right to have a limited number of 15-second commercials only in between plays,” Hanson explained.
Previously, ‘RedZone’ aired 16 advertisements at one point last season, marking an increase from its traditional commercial-free format. Hanson assured that fears of an increase in ads at the beginning of the 2026 season are unfounded. However, decisions about advertising levels come from NFL business executives, not Hanson.
Fans have already formed opinions about ‘RedZone’ and Hanson, with viewers tuning in from unexpected places. Hanson mentioned hearing that ‘RedZone’ has been watched in the White House during the past two administrations.
Notable NFL figures such as Tom Brady and Josh Allen have expressed their love for the program. Tom Brady reportedly watched ‘RedZone’ during Monday Night Football, Thursday night games, and even during bye weeks. For Josh Allen, the program remains a favored pick on days off.
This season, Hanson returns with the ‘Earn Your Sunday’ campaign alongside Dak Prescott, Christian McCaffrey, and Justin Jefferson. Hanson is also known for his adventurous spirit, with experiences on six of the seven continents. His travels included cage diving with great white sharks and safaris in the Serengeti.
When asked about preferences for adventure vacations: running with the bulls in Pamplona or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Hanson found Kilimanjaro’s beauty unforgettable, but noted that running with the bulls demanded more courage. In terms of animal encounters, he felt safer with great white sharks due to protective bars compared to the Serengeti’s open environment with lions.
Hanson also shared his preference for Mexican food, recalling an experience in China where a dish termed as ‘duck dong’ turned out to be duck tongue. He expressed a clear preference for Mexican cuisine after that experience.
‘RedZone’ provides a seven-hour session starting at 1 p.m. ET on Sundays, bringing fans an uninterrupted view of ongoing matches. With ‘RedZone’ gaining traction among players and fans alike, its 18th season promises to uphold its status as a phenomenon.