Marquee Sports Network to air weekly Bears show, game replay

The Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network will air a weekly Bears program that will be followed by a replay of the team’s previous game, the network announced Tuesday.

The show, “Bear Essentials,” will premiere at 7 p.m. Wednesday and be hosted by Cubs pre- and postgame host Cole Wright. It will be followed at 7:30 by a replay of the Bears’ 20-19 victory against the Buccaneers from Thursday. The pairing typically will air Tuesday nights.

Wright, who came to Marquee from NFL Network, will be joined by Bears personnel and analysts. The game replay will be a two-hour director’s cut. The NFL is allowing regional sports networks to air replays this season because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s unknown if the league will allow it beyond this season.

“The opportunity to build on our Chicago Cubs foundation with the addition of unique Bears content and weekly game carriage is tremendous,” said Marquee general manager Mike McCarthy. “We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Chicago Bears organization and serve Chicago sports fans more original content.

“Wrigley Field was home to the Chicago Bears from 1921 to 1970, and it will be spectacular to have Bears coverage back in Wrigleyville on Marquee Sports Network.”

“We’re excited to bring Bears fans more access to the news and information they crave with additional Bears coverage and analysis on Marquee Sports Network,” said Scott Hagel, Bears senior vice president of marketing and communications.