Where and what to watch for G4’s return to broadcast TV and streaming

For many gamers growing up in the 2000s, G4 was a staple of their childhood. Shows like Attack of the Show and Xplay were some of the only shows about video games on the TV back then. Then, when the channel shut down in 2013, there were very few avenues for gamers to turn to for a comedic show about video game news and reviews.

With a tagline of "we never stopped playing," G4 is back, so fans of video gaming and esports alike are excited to relive the nostalgia of G4, but with a fresh new look. The iconic gaming network returns to TV on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Where to watch G4

On G4’s website, there is an entire section on where to watch G4. Along with broadcasting on YouTube and Twitch, G4 will also be broadcast on cable television on service providers such as Verizon Fios, Xfinity and more.

Also found on the G4 website is the schedule of events. G4 recently posted this week’s schedule:

G4 president Russell Arons told Nerd Street there would be a “Catastrophic Launch Spectacular” on Tuesday, which sounds just like the launch folks would expect from G4.

The tone of the network hasn’t changed since its inception in the early 2000s. The entirety of the website keeps with the comedic tone, and it’s safe to say that the shows will keep up with the banter as well.

What shows are coming to G4?

There are a myriad of shows coming to G4, both new and returning. Here is a list and a short description of each show that is coming to the network.

Attack of the Show! -- A greek culture variety show that encompasses sketches, internet trends, funny videos, memes and more. This show is a classic of G4’s, and Kevin Pereira is returning to host it, among others.

Xplay -- This video review show is returning to G4 and is described as “balancing an authoritative loudmouth confidence with the absurdity of a public-access comedy sketch show, all while (somehow) maintaining enough credibility to book interviews with top industry luminaries.” The show’s original host Adam Sessler returns to bring his opinion of video games to the masses.

Boosted -- A weekly esports comedy hosted by Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez, Ovilee May, and Indiana “Froskurinn” Black. May told Nerd Street it’s “The Bleep Esports Show and more.” They will bring viewers the esports news every week with a hilarious twist à la SNL Weekend Update.

ESL Gaming -- One of the biggest partnerships G4 has is with ESL Gaming. They will work together to produce and broadcast several esports programs. This show aims to mesh mainstream media with the esports world through G4’s linear broadcast rights. Watch out for ESL Pro Tour events including IEM Katowice 2022 on G4.

Ninja Warrior aka SASUKE -- Many have heard of Ninja Warrior since it was broadcast on TBS. G4 has acquired the broadcasting rights and will air all 167 episodes of the show, including three never-before-seen tournaments. Ninja Warrior is an intense obstacle course challenge that only the fittest can master.

Invitation to Party -- For the Dungeons and Dragons lovers out there, Invitation to Party is a series that will follow four campaigns and include both veteran D&D players as well as G4 talent. The first DM up is B. Dave Walters, with players Kassem Gharaibeh, Fiona Nova, Ify Nwadiwe and Froskurinn.

Why is now a good time for G4 to come back?

A lot has happened in the past decade or so in gaming, and most of it went on without G4’s existence. Now more than ever, people are turning to gaming and esports for entertainment, and G4 is back to provide another platform to showcase esports and gaming.

Arons told Nerd Street that the shift that enabled G4 to make a grand return has two prongs: societal and technological.

“The societal [change] is when G4 first came on the scene way back in 2004, being into gaming and fandom, that wasn't something you really talked about publicly, and G4 legitimized it and celebrated it,” Arons said. “Well, fast forward today, and that is no longer something that is a small area of interest, it's a lifestyle. And so culturally, there's never been a better time to celebrate gaming and all of its aspects including esports and fandom than there is today, because it really has become a ubiquitous part of pop culture, and really a lifestyle.”

Technology is a big part of gaming, and it’s an even bigger part of how we communicate in today’s age. Although technology in gaming itself is always going to be at the forefront of conversations about what is different for G4 now vs. then, the shift in communication technology is what G4 has embraced.

“We are living in a digital age, and so it allows us to now take G4 on the platforms where gamers are -- Twitch, YouTube -- along with ways that we can interact with them, like Twitch chat, Discord, Reddit. And so this confluence of what's happening technologically with a digital-first mentality, along with that the audience really wants to be engaged in this content, now is the time.”

Lead photo credit: G4