OK maybe it only seems that way, but NBC said today that a record 115 commentators are set for the network’s planned 5,535 hours of Olympics coverage across its properties. The group is led by primetime host Bob Costas, working his 10th Olympics and ninth with NBC. NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel said yesterday that there will be 3000 NBC cast and crew at the Olympic Broadcast Center by the time of the London Games’ Opening Ceremony on July 27. The commentators — including everyone in the NBCUniversal stable from Ryan Seacrest to Jimmy Fallon — will be broadcasting to an estimated 200 million viewers over the games’ 17 days. Here’s a list of the hosts, followed by a sport-by-sport breakdown of who’s covering what:
Related: An Olympian Effort: NBCUni Plans 5,535 Hours Of Coverage For London Games
HOSTS
NBC
The 2012 London Games will be Bob Costas’ 10th for NBC and his ninth as primetime host. After serving as late night host in 1988 from Seoul, South Korea, Costas earned acclaim for his work as primetime host from Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Salt Lake City, Athens, Torino, Beijing and Vancouver. Costas, who has the longest tenure of the network’s sports commentators, joined NBC in 1980.
Al Michaels, one of the most renowned commentators of all-time and whose legendary “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” call at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games 32 years ago stands as one of the most famous calls in sports history, will work his second straight Olympics for NBC, serving as host of NBC’s live weekend and weekday daytime coverage from London. Michaels was the daytime host at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010, his first Olympic broadcast assignment in 22 years, when he covered hockey and hosted the Closing Ceremony at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics for ABC.
Dan Patrick will make his Olympic hosting debut, joining Michaels as host of NBC’s live weekday and weekend daytime coverage from London. Patrick, host of Football Night in America and the Dan Patrick Show, served as an Olympic correspondent for NBC in Vancouver.
Mary Carillo will host NBC’s late-night coverage for the third time, reprising her role from Beijing and Vancouver. Carillo will also serve as an Olympic correspondent and provide a look into life in the United Kingdom through a collection of features done in her own inimitable style, similar to her acclaimed work during the Beijing and Vancouver Games. London is Carillo’s 11th Olympic Games and eighth for NBC.
NBC SPORTS NETWORK
Michelle Beadle makes her Olympic debut as a host on NBC Sports Network’s coverage from London. She will also serve as a correspondent for Access Hollywood during the Games. Beadle joined NBCUniversal in May of this year.
Liam McHugh, one of the emerging voices in sports television today, continues to add to his rapidly growing workload as he hosts NBC Sports Network’s coverage from London. McHugh recently hosted NBC and NBC Sports Network’s studio coverage of the Stanley Cup Final.
Willie Geist, host of MSNBC’s Up Way Too Early and co-host of Morning Joe, makes his Olympic debut as a host of NBC Sports Network’s coverage from London.
MSNBC
Kelly Tilghman, a member of Golf Channel’s original cast and one of the network’s most versatile anchors, makes her Olympic debut as host of MSNBC’s coverage from 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Rob Simmelkjaer will make his Olympic debut as host of MSNBC’s coverage from 30 Rock. Simmelkjaer, who also serves as Senior Vice President of NBC Sports Ventures, is a host on the NBC Sports’ Update Desk and NBC SportsTalk on the NBC Sports Network.
CNBC
Fred Roggin, the sports director at KNBC-TV, NBC’s owned-and-operated station in Los Angeles, will host CNBC’s Boxing coverage from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, his seventh Olympics assignment for NBC. Roggin’s previous Olympic assignments have included hosting curling coverage from the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2006 Torino Games; CNBC’s coverage from the Athens Games; serving on the “Special Features Unit” at the Salt Lake Games in 2002; and working as the boxing reporter at the 2000 Sydney Games. Joining Roggin in the studio will be Laila Ali, a former professional boxer and daughter of legend Muhammad Ali, making her Olympic broadcasting debut.
BRAVO
Pat O’Brien, a veteran of five Olympic Games as a commentator, will serve as host of tennis coverage on Bravo. The London Games will be O’Brien’s fourth Olympics for NBC and sixth overall. He last worked for NBCUniversal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
OLYMPIC CORRESPONDENTS
Top TV broadcaster Ryan Seacrest will make his Olympic broadcasting debut, serving as a contributor for NBC’s primetime coverage from London.
Legendary tennis star and broadcaster John McEnroe will make his Olympic broadcasting debut in London. McEnroe, who has served as a tennis analyst for NBC since 1992, and dominated the tennis world in the 1980’s, winning three Wimbledon and four U.S. Open titles, will serve as an Olympic correspondent on NBC’s primetime coverage.
Bela Karolyi, arguably the most successful coach in gymnastics history, is one of his sports’ most-recognized personalities. He has coached and trained world-renowned gymnasts for the Olympic Games from 1976-2004, and returns to NBC as an Olympic correspondent, the same roll he filled during the Beijing Olympics.
Jimmy Roberts, a 13-time Emmy Award winner, will contribute feature stories and essays and serve as an Olympic correspondent during NBC’s daytime coverage.
GUEST COMMENTATORS
Shaun White, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, will serve as guest commentators during portions the London Games.
SPORT-BY-SPORT RUNDOWN:
GYMNASTICS/TRAMPOLINE:
Al Trautwig, Play-by-play
Elfi Schlegel, Analyst
Tim Daggett, Analyst
Andrea Joyce, Reporter
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS:
Andrea Joyce, Play-by-play
Elfi Schlegel, Analyst
TRACK & FIELD:
Tom Hammond, Play-by-play
Ato Boldon, Analyst
Dwight Stones, Analyst
Craig Masback, Analyst
Tim Hutchings, Analyst
Lewis Johnson, Reporter
RACE WALKING:
Randy Moss, Play-by-play
Chris Maddocks, Analyst
SWIMMING:
Dan Hicks, Play-by-play
Rowdy Gaines, Analyst
Andera Kremer, Reporter
OPEN WATER SWIMMING:
Steve Schlanger, Play-by-play
Rowdy Gaines, Analyst
DIVING:
Ted Robinson, Play-by-play
Cynthia Potter, Analyst
Alex Flanagan, Reporter
BEACH VOLLEYBALL:
Chris Marlowe, Play-by-play
Kevin Wong, Analyst
Heather Cox, Reporter
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL:
Paul Sunderland, Play-by-play
Kevin Barnett, Analyst
CYCLING (Road):
Steve Schlanger, Play-by-play
Paul Sherwen, Analyst
Todd Harris, Reporter
CYCLING (Track)
Todd Harris, Play-by-play
Paul Sherwen, Analyst
CYCLING (BMX/Mountain Bike)
Todd Harris, Play-by-play
Jamie Bestwick, Analyst
TRIATHLON:
Steve Schlanger, Play-by-play
Julie Swail, Analyst
BASKETBALL:
Bob Fitzgerald, Play-by-play (London)
Chris Carrino, Play-by-play
Dave Strader, Play-by-play
Doug Collins, Analyst (London)
Ann Meyers, Analyst (London)
Tim Capstraw, Analyst
Donny Marshall, Analyst
Lisa Leslie, Analyst
Carolyn Peck, Analyst
Craig Sager, Reporter (London)
Doc Rivers, Studio Analyst (London)
ROWING:
Terry Gannon, Play-by-play
Yaz Farooq, Analyst
CANOEING (Flat Water):
Terry Gannon, Play-by-play
Eric Giddens, Analyst
CANOEING (White Water):
Randy Moss, Play-by-play
Eric Giddens, Analyst
SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING:
Randy Moss, Play-by-play
Heather Olson, Analyst
WRESTLING:
Jason Knapp, Play-by-play
Rulon Gardner, Analyst
WATER POLO:
Mike Emrick, Play-by-play
Wolf Wigo, Analyst
Julie Swail, Analyst
BOXING:
Bob Papa, Play-by-play
Teddy Atlas, Analyst
Russ Thaler, Reporter
MODERN PENTATHLON:
Eli Bremer, Analyst
WEIGHTLIFTING:
Jim Watson, Play-by-play
Shane Hamman, Analyst
EQUESTRIAN:
Tim Ryan, Play-by-play
Melanie Smith-Taylor, Analyst
SOCCER:
Arlo White, Play-by-play (London)
JP Dellacamera, Play-by-play
Glenn Davis, Play-by-play
Steve Cangialosi, Play-by-play
Allen Hopkins, Play-by-play and Analyst
Kyle Martino, Analyst (London)
Marcelo Balboa, Analyst
Shep Messing, Analyst
Cobi Jones, Analyst
Brandi Chastain, Analyst (London)
Kate Markgraf, Analyst
Cat Whitehill, Analyst
Angela Hucles, Analyst
Drea Avent, Reporter (London)
TENNIS:
Brett Haber, Play-by-play
Andrew Catalon, Play-by-play
Ted Robinson, Play-by-play (Men’s Final)
Justin Gimbelstob, Analyst
Rennae Stubbs, Analyst
John McEnroe, Analyst (Men’s Final)
Jon Wertheim, Reporter
HANDBALL:
Mike Gorman, Play-by-play
Dawn Lewis, Analyst
TABLE TENNIS:
Ari Wolfe, Play-by-play
Sean O’Neill, Analyst
BADMINTON:
Jim Kozimor, Play-by-play
Steve Kearney, Analyst
FENCING:
Craig Hummer, Play-by-play
Jeff Bukantz, Analyst
ARCHERY:
Craig Hummer, Play-by-play
Jason Knapp, Play-by-play
Rick McKinney, Analyst
SHOOTING:
Craig Hummer, Play-by-play
Jason Knapp, Play-by-play
Shari LeGate, Analyst
FIELD HOCKEY:
Mike Corey, Play-by-play
Missy Meharg, Analyst
JUDO:
Craig Hummer, Play-by-play
Leo White, Analyst
SPORTSDESK REPORTERS:
Lester Holt
Michele Tafoya
Tamron Hall
Pierre McGuire
Stephanie Gosk
Carolyn Manno
Marshall Harris
Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Apolo Ohno
TELEMUNDO:
Andres Cantor, Host
Jessi Losada
Mónica Noguera
Sammy Sadovnik
Edgar Lopez
René Giraldo
Karim Mendiburu
Kaziro Aoyama
Oscar Guzmán
Leti Coo
Verónica Contreras


What a joke. NBC needs to lose the license for the Olympics.They spend more time with these idiots bull shitting about nothing, than you see the actual games. Bob Costas needs to go
Couldn’t agree with you more. Why can’t they have a crawler going across the bottom of the screen with what ever nonsense these pinheads feel the need to say. I think they take away from the events rather than add.
115 commentators – and I’ll bet every one of them is paid by the WORD – because they think nothing of blathering on and on and on – even during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Worst, in my opinion, Cynthia Potter and Tim Daggett. Hey, NBC, SOME of us would like to hear the special music composed for the Opening and Closing. SOME of us would like to just enjoy the athleticism of the participants / performers. Those of us that watch the Olympics probably already know all the rules and regulations about the sport we choose to watch – so why burden us with all the TALK.
It is sad to read so many comments from viewers who say they watched the last Olympics with the TV ‘muted’ to avoid all the talk, talk, talk.
Please, all you 115 commentators, just give us some peace and quiet so we really CAN enjoy the Olympic Games.
Amen, please shut these announcers off.
Andres Cantor is my man
The absolute worst is the lady who does the diving commentary. She is the most critical person and picks on every dive. Who the F cares! Just shut up and let us watch! I hate NBC! I wish we could get the BBC feed. After watching them no one would ever watch NBC’s coverage again!
Yes, yes, the lady who does the diving commentary is Cynthia Potter who I mentioned in my comment. Maybe we should start a list of announcers who should be banned from any Olympic coverage.
So, Mike Emrick is only doing Water Polo? The great hockey play-by-play man would be better suited on some of the other sports (he has covered other than hockey over the years)
And, where is Jim Lampley? He was great doing the hosting duties a few years ago…now NBC seems to have dumped him for lesser talent. Lampley was made to host Olympic coverage…and should be the lead on prime-time. No one can ever replace Jim McKay when he did the OLY for ABC…but Lamps comes close
Lampley works full time for HBO Boxing events and PPV’s. However there isn’t an HBO boxing event scheduled until september 8th.
Why isn’t NBC using Lampley. He is by far the best host of them all including Costas. Seacrest instead of Lampley. WOW!!
That comes out to be about 48 hours for every commentator, and that’s for a three week period. If only NBC released how much they are paying these people. This has to be a money loser for them, no way they can recoup their billion dollar bid.
I just wish NBC would cut down on the number of commercials they are taking, especially during the opening and closing ceremonies as it’s getting way too redundant with them. There are way too many commentators for these games. Talk about milking your talent for everything they have to a tee. These Olympics fall under the last contract they signed, so yes, they will be losing tons of dough on these games.
Ryan Seacrest? I can’t picture him doing anything athletic related? Chew gum and walk?
The commentators should shut up. They are a huge detraction and are totally self absorbed. Just let us watch without the totally lame filler. The program speaks for itself.
Where is Lampley. He is by far the best host. Why isn’t NBC using his talents for the London Olympics.
Just as long as NBC doesn’t let Butch Maddow do any commenting. NBC criticized the mayor of London’s hair, that is a lot worse then Mitt Romney questioning whether London is ready! (and it looks like they were)
Please get rid of Andrea Kramer. Why is Costas stii employed? Kelly Tillman can’t co-host with anyone–she needs to sit out.
BRAVO commentators covering/calling Olympic Tennis – COME ON and give me a BREAK! Tennis fans want to hear from commentators that really know the sport and the players – where is McEnroe – both John and brother Patrick, and that charmingg Brit Darren Cahill….And does anyone know where in the world is Chris Fowler – huge mistake not to make use of his skills to call the matches! I luv my tennis but listening to these commentators is just pure torture! No Ace for you BRAVO!
I request that Rowdy Gaines be immediately removed as an announcer for your Olympic coverage. His lack of emotional control, very high voice and foolish color comments make him a penalty to listen to. I know you need to call in many announcers to cover an event this large, but Gaines is spoiling your coverage. Thanks.
Plz replace cat whitehill! I can’t even enjoy women’s football when she is blathering about.
Andrea Joyce’s interviews with swimmers are awful & annoying & unprofessional. She comes off as a “gossip columnist” trying to sow seeds of dissension. Asking Lochtie after his win for gold about Phelps. Just now asking the relay team about setting Phelps (as anchor) up for the “win” and had to be corrected by the team with “for the lead”. She is an embarrassment and needs to be replaced NOW!
You are SO right!!! Asking the team member how it felt to be swimming with Phelps to win!! What an insulting question…how about congratulating him for his part in the win. She IS an embarrassment!
I wonder how the NBC gymnastic announcers are feeling now…especially the two men..say it slowly if you can..’Gabby Douglas, Gold medal winner from the USA’…it’s probably too hard,… it’s so obvious of the disregard of praise for the talented sixteen yr old. They’ve been too busy adoring the USA gymnast who didn’t make the all-around championships or any of the number of other gymnasts from other countries…if as a announcer/analyst and you can’t give it up for the athletes that have worked and trained just as hard as your pride and joy athletes…then it’s time to turn it loose.
would someone please tell costas to shut the hell up! we don’t need his personal views on what the people should do or not do on the gun problems in america! we were watching sunday night football, not his lame ass views on anything.