Why This Underground IP Could Be More Valuable Than the Pat McAfee Show

Original, Evergreen IP Meets Sports Commentary

In the crowded world of sports commentary and variety shows, standing out requires not just expertise but storytelling that pushes the boundaries of what's possible.

Enter Rabid Fans, from Mike Basone, Zac Greenbaum and the crew at Victory Road Studios, a show that dares to tap into the wild passion of sports superfans in a way that’s both imaginative and deeply engaging.

This animated series brings a fresh perspective to sports commentary by combining clever world building, engaging characters, and biting satire. Here’s what’s exciting from our POV:

A Unique Premise and Setting

Set in the underground world beneath New York City, Rabid Fans doesn’t just talk about sports—it digs deep into the culture of fandom itself. In this subterranean world, Pete Seratti, a legendary rodent host, leads a panel of superfans who take on the day’s hottest sports debates.

This underground setting isn’t just a quirky backdrop—it’s a metaphor for getting beneath the surface of mainstream sports talk, allowing the show to explore topics and angles that traditional shows can’t touch.

An Innovative Format

Rabid Fans reinvents the familiar sports talk format through animation, giving the show the freedom to embrace outrageous scenarios, wild visual gags, and fantastical elements that live-action just can’t pull off. This medium allows for limitless creativity, letting the show become a platform for satire, parody, and humor that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

Compelling Characters

At the heart of Rabid Fans is Pete Seratti, the no-nonsense rodent host guiding viewers through each episode’s sports debates. Surrounding Pete is a panel of colorful subterranean superfans, each bringing their own eccentric perspectives and personalities to the table. These characters have the potential to develop devoted followings, becoming icons of sports fandom in their own right.

Satirical Edge

Rabid Fans doesn’t just comment on sports—it takes aim at sports media and fandom with razor-sharp satire. The irreverent, no-holds-barred approach allows the show to entertain while also providing biting commentary on the absurdity and passion that often defines the sports world.

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DISRUPTIVE PLAY - Why Rabid Fans Could Be More Valuable Than The Pat McAfee Show

While The Pat McAfee Show dominates with its raw, off-the-cuff commentary, Rabid Fans has the potential to be even more valuable, thanks to one critical advantage: it’s built entirely on original, owned IP. Here's why that makes all the difference:

1. No Dependency on Talent
   Talent-driven shows, like McAfee’s, rely heavily on the host's presence and appeal. If McAfee were to step away or lose relevance, the show could lose value. Rabid Fans, on the other hand, is powered by its own characters—Pete Seratti and his animated panel of superfans are evergreen. The value isn’t tied to real-world personalities but to the creative world you’ve built, making it far more scalable and less risky in the long run.

2. Complete Creative Control
   By owning the IP, Rabid Fans allows for full control over the show’s narrative and character development. There are no talent contracts or public opinion shifts that could limit the direction of the show. The characters and stories can evolve freely to match trends or explore new areas, ensuring continued audience engagement over time.

3. Longer Lifespan and Flexibility
   Unlike real-world hosts who age, retire, or become controversial, animated characters are timeless. Pete Seratti and his crew can adapt, introduce new voices, or spin off into additional content without losing their core identity. This flexibility ensures the show remains relevant, no matter how the sports landscape changes.

4. Monetization Across Multiple Channels
   Owning the IP opens the door to a range of revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. Rabid Fans can expand into merchandise, video games, comics, and live events. The characters themselves can be licensed or used in brand partnerships, offering diversified income streams beyond what a personality-driven show can achieve.

5. A Sellable Asset
   Original IP like Rabid Fans is a valuable sellable asset. While a talent-driven show’s value is tied to its host, an animated series with broad appeal can be licensed, sold, or expanded into new verticals, such as feature films or immersive experiences. This makes it an attractive, scalable option for investors.

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The Potential Future of Rabid Fans

Victory Road Studios isn’t just creating a sports commentary show with Rabid Fans—they’re building a media franchise. In a landscape dominated by talent-driven formats, Rabid Fans is proving that the real power lies in owning your IP. It’s not just about the immediate content, but about the flexibility, creative freedom, and long-term growth potential that original IP brings to the table.

With its unique premise, satirical edge, and endless merchandising opportunities, Rabid Fans has all the ingredients to become more than a show—it could be a cultural force.