Poker After Dark

Poker After Dark is an hour-long poker television program that originally aired on NBC,[2] premiering on January 1, 2007.[1] The series was canceled on December 3, 2011, following the "Black Friday" criminal case, which involved major sponsor Full Tilt Poker as one of the defendants.[3] The show rebooted on August 14, 2017 with appearances from Tom Dwan, Daniel Negreanu, Antonio Esfandiari. Poker After Dark episodes are now filmed exclusively at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort and Casino, and distributed on video streaming service PokerGO.

Poker After Dark
Logo of Poker After Dark
Presented byShana Hiatt (S1-2)
Marianela Pereyra (S3)
Leeann Tweeden (S4-7)
Drea Renee (S8)
Narrated byAli Nejad
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons12
No. of episodes474 (consisting of 48 tournaments and 11 cash games)
Production
ProducerPoker Productions (Eric Drache and Mori Eskandani)[1]
Production locationLas Vegas
Running time1 hour (with commercials; about 42 minutes without); 6 hours when on PokerGO (with player breaks; about 5 hours, 20 minutes without)
Release
Original networkNBC (2007–2011), NBCSN (2012– )
Picture format480i (SDTV) 2007-2009
(HDTV) 2010-2011
Original releaseJanuary 1, 2007 (2007-01-01) 
July 23, 2019 (PokerGO), still airing live monthly

For its first two seasons, both of which originally aired in 2007, the show was presented by Shana Hiatt.[4] The host for season 3 was Marianela Pereyra, and Leeann Tweeden took over starting with season 4.[5] When the series returned on PokerGO in 2017, Drea Renee took over as lead presenter. All seasons have contained voice-over commentary by Oliver "Ali" Nejad.

Summary

The Poker After Dark format featured an "intimate look at one table as it develops over the week."[1] Blinds start at $100/$200 and slowly escalate. Commentator Ali Nejad's commentary is limited, allowing viewers to hear much of the table talk among the players, all of whom are mic'ed.[1] (The table talk occasionally reveals that the "week-long" series is taped in one long session.)

The series was originally structured as a series of week-long No Limit Texas hold 'em mini-tournaments for six top poker professionals. Each week the players vied for a $120,000 winner-takes-all prize pool, with each paying a $20,000 buy-in.[Note 1] By the end of the fifth show, a winner is determined. The sixth show was a "director's cut" that includes excerpts from the action from the previous five days, interspersed with talking heads commentary from the participants. Beginning with Season 4, the producers began to experiment with different formats, including no-limit cash games, and a double-elimination Heads Up battle between the first 4 winners of the National Heads-Up Poker Championship.[6] Also, Seasons 3, 4 and 5 had a "Dream Table," pitting an amateur against five pros.

Broadcast

Poker After Dark aired six times a week, at 2:05 a.m. ET (1:05 CT) Tuesday through Saturday, and then at 1:00 a.m. ET (12:00 CT) on Sundays, though times vary according to the preferences of the affiliates.[7] The early Sunday show is a "director's cut" weekly summary of the previous week's shows.

Several NBC affiliates, most notably those owned by Post-Newsweek Stations, Barrington Broadcasting, some Raycom Media stations, WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Florida, and the LDS Church-owned KSL-TV in Salt Lake City refused to air the show due to management or locality objections against programs featuring gambling (the Post-Newsweek stations also refused to carry Face the Ace in August 2009), while other stations did not carry it due to existing syndication contracts precluding it from airing the series or to retain control of their overnight schedules. It was not aired entirely in the state of Texas due to the state's strict gambling laws.

NBC abruptly stopped airing Poker After Dark on September 23, 2011,[8] a few days after Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a statement alleging production underwriter Full Tilt Poker had perpetrated a Ponzi scheme on its customers. Replacing the show was a rebroadcast of the Hoda Kotb/Kathie Lee Gifford-hosted fourth hour of Today, and on the weekends, a second episode of In Wine Country from San Francisco Bay Area NBC station KNTV. NBC Sports has since removed their poker section entirely from their webpage, and previous episodes have been removed from Hulu. Although NBC did not issue a definitive statement regarding the schedule change or the future of the show, NBC Sports Senior Director of Communications Adam Freifeld has stated that NBC will "continue to evaluate our poker programming."[9]

Since 2017, Poker After Dark has aired live each month exclusively on PokerGO. Full replays and highlight recaps are also available on demand for each episode.

International

In Canada Poker After Dark aired afternoons and late nights on Rogers Sportsnet and, since fall 2009 on the French network V.

In France Poker After Dark airs at night on RTL9. In Germany, it airs on SPORT1, with commentary provided by Michael Körner.[10] In Ireland, Poker After Dark airs on Setanta Ireland and Setanta Sports 1[11] on most weeknights with little change from the US version. In The Netherlands, it airs on Veronica; episodes feature the original English commentary with Dutch subtitles. In Sweden, Poker After Dark airs on afternoons and nights on TV4 Sport and on TV 10 weekday nights at 01:30. In Denmark, it airs at night on TV3+. In Italy, Poker After Dark airs at night on POKERItalia24. In Poland, Poker After Dark airs during evenings on Sportklub and Sport Klub+; commentary is provided by Paweł Majewski and Marcin Grzywacz.. In Russia, the show airs on 7TV at 11:30pm every day until the Febral, and now shows on REN-TV at 3:00 pm.

Episodes

Season 1 (2007)

WeekEpisodesOriginal AirdatesTitleSeat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Jan 1-6Poker Brat AttackGus HansenPhil HellmuthShawn SheikhanAnnie DukeSteve ZolotowHuck Seed
27-12Jan 8-13Play AnythingMike MatusowGabe KaplanDavid GreyDoyle BrunsonJerry BussDaniel Negreanu
313-18Jan 15-20WSOP ChampionsChris MoneymakerJamie GoldJohnny ChanChris FergusonDoyle BrunsonCarlos Mortensen
419-24Jan 22-27Earphones PleaseSam FarhaTony GMike MatusowPhil HellmuthPhil IveyAndy Bloch
525-30Jan 29-Feb 3Phil PhilPhil HellmuthJennifer HarmanPhil LaakErik SeidelAntonio EsfandiariDoyle Brunson
631-36Feb 12-17Talking HeadsMichael KonikPhil GordonHoward LedererChad BrownGabe KaplanMike Sexton
737-42Feb 19-24Against All OddsChris FergusonClonie GowenSam FarhaGus HansenTed ForrestTony G
843-48Mar 12-17Killer TablePhil IveyErick LindgrenJennifer TillyPatrik AntoniusJennifer HarmanPhil Gordon
949-54Apr 16-21Loose LipsMike MatusowAllen CunninghamDavid BenyamineBarry GreensteinShawn SheikhanJohn Juanda
1055-60May 14–19Ladies' WeekClonie GowenEvelyn NgDee LuongVanessa RoussoJennifer HarmanCyndy Violette

Season 2 (2007)

Season 2 was taped in May 2007 at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas.[12]

WeekEpisodesOriginal Airdates[13]Title[12]Seat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Jun 11-16Golden MenJamie GoldJoe HachemGreg RaymerHuck SeedDoyle BrunsonJohnny Chan
27-12Jun 18-23InternationalGus HansenDavid BenyaminePatrik AntoniusDaniel NegreanuMarco TranielloBrad Booth
313-18Jun 25-30Queens and KingsGabe KaplanHoward LedererAli NejadVanessa RoussoAnnie DukeKristy Gazes
419-24Sep 10-15World Series LegendsDoyle BrunsonLayne FlackPhil HellmuthChris FergusonErik SeidelT. J. Cloutier
525-30Sep 17-22WPT All-StarsErick LindgrenHoward LedererDaniel NegreanuMichael MizrachiGus HansenTuan Le
631-36Sep 24-29Live To HurtAntonio EsfandiariShawn SheikhanMike MatusowPhil HellmuthPhil LaakDaniel Negreanu
737-42Oct 1-6Poker ProwessPhil LaakDavid WilliamsAnnie DukeAndy BlochJohn JuandaClonie Gowen
843-48Oct 8-13Mega MatchDavid BenyamineAllen CunninghamJennifer HarmanPhil IveyBarry GreensteinEli Elezra
949-54Nov 5-10Of Mouth and MenAlan BostonAntonio EsfandiariMike SextonMike MatusowJamie GoldPaul Wasicka
1055-60Nov 12-17Show OpenHoward LedererPhil IveyChris FergusonPhil HellmuthJennifer HarmanGus Hansen
  • Week 8 (Mega Match) required a $50,000 buy-in rather than the usual $20,000, resulting in a $300,000 first prize.
  • Week 10 (Show Open) was so named because the participants were those featured in the show's 2007 opening credits.

Season 3 (2008)

Season 3 was taped in October 2007 at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas.[12]

WeekEpisodesOriginal AirdatesTitle[14]Seat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Dec 31-Jan 5Dream TableDaniel NegreanuPhil HellmuthJennifer HarmanMike MatusowScotty NguyenKen Light
27-12Jan 7-1219th HoleGavin SmithDavid OppenheimErick LindgrenPhil IveyDoyle BrunsonDaniel Negreanu
313-18Jan 14-19HecklersGavin SmithSam GrizzleJean-Robert BellandeMike MatusowShawn SheikhanPhil Hellmuth
419-24Feb 11-16World ChampionsChris FergusonJohnny ChanBerry JohnstonJamie GoldPhil HellmuthHuck Seed
525-30Feb 18-23CowboysDoyle BrunsonChris FergusonChau GiangAndy BlochHoyt CorkinsGabe Kaplan
631-36Feb 25-Mar 1InternationalPatrik AntoniusJohnny ChanRoland De WolfeDaniel NegreanuGus HansenJohn Juanda
737-42Mar 24-29Jam UpDavid WilliamsHoward LedererMike MatusowBarry GreensteinAntonio EsfandiariEli Elezra
843-48Mar 31-Apr 5Gus and the LadiesGus HansenVanessa RoussoJ. J. LiuClonie GowenBeth ShakErica Schoenberg
949-54May 12–17Love at First RaiseJennifer HarmanDavid BenyamineJennifer TillyMarco TranielloErica SchoenbergPhil Laak
1055-60May 19–24CommentatorsMark GregorichChad BrownAli NejadRobert Williamson IIIPhil GordonHoward Lederer
  • Week 1 (Dream Table) featured the winner of a Full Tilt Poker sponsored contest (Ken Light) and was billed as the five professionals Light chose to play against, though Light said in an interview during one of the week's episodes that he was only asked to list his favorite players,[4] and did not know that the list would be used to form the table.
  • Week 9 (Love at First Raise) featured three pairs of players who were couples at the time of filming: Jennifer Harman & Marco Traniello, David Benyamine & Erica Schoenberg, and Jennifer Tilly & Phil Laak.

Season 4 (2008)

Season 4 was taped in April 2008 at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas.[6] Season 4 episode titles and presumed seating order taken from NBC's Web site.[14]

WeekEpisodesOriginal AirdatesTitle[14]Seat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Jul 14-19Cash Game #1Tom DwanPhil HellmuthMike BaxterAllen CunninghamGuy LalibertéDavid Peat
27-12Jul 21-26Nets Vs. VetsBrian TownsendDoyle BrunsonTom DwanJohnny ChanHuck SeedAndrew Robl
313-18Jul 28-Aug 3Heads Up ChallengePhil HellmuthTed ForrestPaul WasickaChris Ferguson
419-24Sep 22-Sep 27Mission ImpossibleMike MatusowPhil LaakPhil HellmuthDavid WilliamsClonie GowenGavin Smith
525-30Sep 29-Oct 4Dream IIMike MatusowPhil HellmuthMike SextonJennifer HarmanGavin SmithPaul Featherstone
631-36Oct 6-Oct 11Mayfair ClubJay HeimowitzHoward LedererMickey ApplemanDan HarringtonSteve ZolotowMike Shichtman
737-42Oct 13-Oct 19Cash Game #2Patrik AntoniusDee TillerHoward LedererDoyle BrunsonGabe KaplanEli Elezra
  • Dream II was the second tournament consisting of the winner of a Full Tilt Poker sponsored contest (Paul Featherstone) and the five professionals he chose to play against.
  • Heads Up Battle was a double elimination heads-up format featuring the first four winners of the National Heads-Up Poker Championship and required a $50,000 buy-in resulting in a winner-take-all $200,000 prize.[6]
  • The two weeks of cash games were a $200/400 no-limit game instead of a winner take all tournament. During most of the second cash game, the players agreed to $100 antes and the occasional $800 straddle.
  • Mission Impossible Week was named in deference to Mike Matusow, who entered the game winless in three-plus seasons of the show, while each of his opponents had won at least once.

Season 5 (2009)

Most of Season 5 was taped December 19–21, 2008 at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas. The season's first three weeks include episodes originally announced as Season 4 episodes and were taped at South Point.[15][16]

WeekEpisodesOriginal AirdatesTitleSeat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Dec 29-Jan 3Close but no CigarAndy BlackLee WatkinsonDewey TomkoDavid WilliamsAllen CunninghamMike Matusow
27-12Jan 5-Jan 11Speak Your MindTodd BrunsonPhil HellmuthPhil GordonGabe KaplanCory ZeidmanDavid Grey
313-18Feb 9-Feb 14Brilliant MindsBrandon AdamsChris FergusonAndy BlochBill ChenJimmy WarrenDavid Sklansky
419-24Feb 16-Feb 21Nets vs. Vets Cash GameTaylor CabyCole SouthGabe KaplanDavid BenefieldDoyle BrunsonEli Elezra
525-30Mar 23-Mar 28Dream Table IIIJohnny ChanJennifer TillyArnold ThimonsMike MatusowPhil LaakDaniel Negreanu
631-36Mar 30-Apr 4International IIIBrad BoothAllen CunninghamDavid BenyamineJohn JuandaJohn PhanIvan Demidov
737-42May 4-May 9Hellmuth Bash Cash Game ITom DwanKenny TranPhil LaakAntonio EsfandiariPhil HellmuthBob Safai
843-48May 11-May 16Hellmuth Bash Cash Game IITom DwanAntonio EsfandiariKenny TranPhil HellmuthBob SafaiPhil Laak
949-54Jun 15-Jun 20Sit-n-TalkJennifer HarmanMike MatusowAntonio EsfandiariJean-Robert BellandeVanessa RoussoDavid Grey
1055-60Jun 22-Jun 27Celebrities and MentorsBarry GreensteinJason AlexanderPhil GordonOrel HershiserDon CheadleGavin Smith
1161-66Sep 7-Sep 12Top Guns Cash Game #1Tom DwanPatrik AntoniusHoward LedererEli ElezraIlari SahamiesPhil Ivey
1267-72Sep 14-Sep 19Top Guns Cash Game #2Eli ElezraTom DwanHoward LedererPhil IveyPatrik AntoniusIlari Sahamies
1373-78Sep 21-Sep 26Magnificent SixPhil HellmuthChris FergusonHoward LedererPhil IveyDoyle BrunsonDaniel Negreanu
1479-84Sep 28-Oct 3USA vs. ItalyHoward LedererMarco TranielloDario MinieriErick LindgrenMax PescatoriChris Ferguson
1585-90Dec 7-Dec 12Railbird Heaven Cash Game #1Patrik AntoniusDaniel NegreanuGus HansenPhil IveyTom DwanPhil Hellmuth
1691-96Dec 14-Dec 19Railbird Heaven Cash Game #2Tom DwanGus Hansen
/ David Peat
Phil IveyPhil HellmuthPatrik AntoniusDaniel Negreanu
  • Close but no Cigar Week consisted of players who at the time of taping had played at a WSOP Main Event final table but did not win.
  • Mike Matusow is the only pro to participate in all three Dream Table games.
  • The two weeks of Hellmuth Bash games were the first time the same six players appeared over 10 consecutive episodes of play.
  • Celebrities and Mentors week was completed in four episodes. The director's cut was aired as the fifth episode, and a "Best Of" look back at Seasons 1-5 was aired at the usual time for the director's cut.
  • Eli Elezra has only played in cash games or during weeks when the final prize was larger than the normal $120,000. Until this season, he always occupied Seat 6 when appearing.
  • Magnificent Six featured five of the six players shown in this season's opening credits.
  • Gus Hansen's participation in the Railbird Heaven Cash Game was his first appearance since Season 3.

Season 6 (2010)

Season 6 was taped in October 2009 at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas and is scheduled to have 13 weeks of episodes.[17]

WeekEpisodesOriginal AirdatesTitleSeat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Jan 4-Jan 10Commentators IIIHoward LedererGabe KaplanJoe SebokAli NejadMark GregorichKara Scott
27-12Jan 11-Jan 17NicknamesAnnette ObrestadMike MatusowAntonio EsfandiariErick LindgrenPhil LaakPhil Hellmuth
313-18Mar 15-Mar 21Cash Game 50k, Part 1Chris FergusonPhil HellmuthAntonio EsfandiariBrandon AdamsTodd BrunsonMike Matusow
419-24Mar 22-Mar 28Cash Game 50k, Part 2Todd BrunsonMike MatusowPhil Hellmuth / Dennis PhilipsBrandon AdamsAntonio EsfandiariChris Ferguson / David Peat
525-30Apr 19-Apr 25My Favorite ProCraig IveyJames AshbySteve BartlettPhil HellmuthJens VoertmannChris Ferguson
631-36Apr 26-May 2He Said, She SaidErica SchoenbergJean-Robert BellandeDavid GreyKarina JettMike MatusowAnnie Duke
737-42Jun 7-Jun 13Cash Game 100k, Part 1Phil HellmuthPhil LaakEli ElezraTom DwanDoyle BrunsonGus Hansen
843-48Jun 14-Jun 20Cash Game 100k, Part 2Tom DwanPhil LaakDoyle BrunsonGus HansenEli ElezraPhil Hellmuth / David Peat
949-54Aug 9-Aug 15Lonesome SharkErick LindgrenJames AkenheadAntonio EsfandiariMike MatusowDavid WilliamsBrad Booth
1055-60Aug 16-Aug 22Mixed Martial ArtsBruce BufferPatrik AntoniusDan HendersonRandy CoutureHoward LedererErick Lindgren
1161-66Oct 4-Oct 10Cash Game 150k, Part 1Eli ElezraPatrik AntoniusAlan MeltzerGabe KaplanDavid PeatTom Dwan
1267-72Oct 11-Oct 17Cash Game 150k, Part 2Gabe KaplanTom DwanPatrik AntoniusDavid PeatAlan Meltzer / Phil LaakEli Elezra
1373-78Dec 13-Dec 19Charity In MindPhil GordonChris FergusonJennifer HarmanHoward LedererAndy BlochAnnie Duke
  • New graphics debuted with Season 6, including a notation of which player has the button. Previous seasons sometimes used a non-standard "first to act" graphic. Percentages to win the hand are shown more frequently than in past seasons, especially pre-flop, and a trailing player's outs are shown during all-in situations.
  • Cash Game 150k, Part 2 - Phil Laak fills in for Alan Meltzer after Alan leaves mid-session.

Season 7 (2011)

Season 7 took place from the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and was scheduled for 13 weeks of new episodes.. The program was pulled from the schedule during this season after episode 48, and as a consequence weeks 9-13 never aired on NBC.

WeekEpisodesScheduled AirdatesTitleSeat 1Seat 2Seat 3Seat 4Seat 5Seat 6
11-6Jan 3-Jan 8SNG 100k FreezeoutJohn JuandaErick LindgrenPhil GalfondHuck SeedTom DwanPhil Ivey
27-12Feb 7-Feb 12Cash Game 150k #2, Part 1David PeatHoward LedererPhil LaakGreg MuellerOlivier BusquetEli Elezra
313-18Feb 14-Feb 19Cash Game 150k #2, Part 2Howard LedererOlivier BusquetGreg MuellerPhil LaakDavid PeatEli Elezra
419-24Apr 4-Apr 9SNG 50k Idol WeekAndrew LichtenbergerEric BaldwinMelanie WeisnerDoyle BrunsonAnnette ObrestadTom Dwan
525-30Apr 11-Apr 16PLO 100k Cash Game, Part 1Brandon AdamsPatrik AntoniusPhil IveyTom DwanBrian HastingsPhil Galfond
631-36Apr 18-Apr 23PLO 100k Cash Game, Part 2Brian HastingsJared BleznickTom DwanPhil GalfondPhil IveyPatrik Antonius
737-42Aug 01-Aug 05Cash 100k min, Part 1Mike MatusowJean-Robert BellandePeter JettenBrandon AdamsChris FergusonMichael Mizrachi / Phil Hellmuth
843-48Aug 08-Aug 12Cash 100k min, Part 2Brandon AdamsChris FergusonPeter JettenPhil HellmuthMike MatusowJean-Robert Bellande / Michael Mizrachi
949-54Sep 5-Sep 10Cash 100k min #2, Part 1Annette ObrestadHuck SeedAntonio EsfandiariPhil HellmuthAndy BlochJustin Smith
1055-60Sep 12-Sep 17Cash 100k min #2, Part 2Andy BlochAnnette ObrestadJustin SmithAntonio EsfandiariPhil HellmuthHuck Seed
1161-66Sep 19-Sep 24SNG 20k Wish ListMike DappenPhil HellmuthMike MatusowChris FergusonErica SchoenbergJennifer Harman
1267-72Nov 21-Nov 26Cash 200k min, Part 1David PeatEli ElezraDavid OppenheimPatrik AntoniusPhil IveyTom Dwan
1373-78Nov 28-Dec 3Cash 200k min, Part 2Tom DwanDavid PeatPatrik AntoniusPhil IveyDavid OppenheimEli Elezra

Season 8 (2017)

Episodes and live streams for Season 8 were available exclusively on PokerGO, which also makes rebroadcasts of episodes available on demand. Every episode was filmed inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort and Casino.

Week Episode Scheduled Airdates Title Seat 1 Seat 2 Seat 3 Seat 4 Seat 5 Seat 6
1 1-3 Aug 14-Aug 16 The Return of Tom Dwan Tom Dwan Daniel Negreanu Antonio Esfandiari Jean-Robert Bellande Bill Klein Lauren Roberts
2 4-6 Aug 22-Aug 24 Voices Carry Mike Matusow Will Kassouf Jean-Robert Bellande Matt Berkey Nick Schulman David Williams
3 7-9 Sep 5-Sep 7 Rumble with Jungle Daniel Cates Isaac Haxton Brian Rast Jason Koon Matt Berkey Doug Polk
4 10-12 Sep 26-28 PLOMG Phil Galfond Ben Lamb Brandon Adams Tom Dwan Daniel Cates Isaac Haxton
5 13-15 Oct 10-12 High Stakes Hybrid Dan Shak Doug Polk Jason Koon Mike Baxter Brandon Steven Brian Rast
6 16-18 Oct 17-19 Perks of the Trade Phil Galfond Bill Perkins Brian Rast Rick Salomon Aaron Zang Haralabos Voulgaris
7 19-20 Nov 20-21 Leave It to Seiver Scott Seiver Garrett Adelstein Ben Lamb Yong Wang Bob Bright Matt Berkey
8 21-22 Nov 28-29 Moon Magic Danielle Andersen Antonio Esfandiari Lauren Roberts Justin Young Barry Woods Jacky Wang
9 23-24 Dec 12-13 Games of our Lives Farah Galfond Bill Klein Bob Bright Jean-Robert Bellande Bill Perkins Matt Berkey
10 25-28 Dec 19-21 Holidays with Hellmuth Maria Ho Phil Hellmuth Daniel Negreanu Doyle Brunson Antonio Esfandiari Mike Matusow

Season 9 (2018)

Episodes and live streams for Season 9 were available exclusively on PokerGO, which also makes rebroadcasts of episodes available on demand. Every episode was filmed inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort and Casino.

Week Episodes Scheduled Airtimes Title Seat 1 Seat 2 Seat 3 Seat 4 Seat 5 Seat 6
1 1-2 Jan 3-4 Femme Fatale Kathy Liebert JJ Liu Melanie Weisner Kitty Kuo Kristen Bicknell Sofia Lovgren
2 3-4 Jan 16-17 The Prestige Antonio Esfandiari Bobby Sura Bob Nouri Randall Emmett Robert Sanchez Bill Perkins
3 5-6 Jan 25-26 Reality Check Jean-Robert Bellande James Bord Maria Ho Bob Bright Sean Dempsey Nick Schulman
4 7-8 Feb 15-16 Dead Money Matt Berkey Garrett Adelstein Stanley Choi Sean Dempsey Bob Bright Jean-Robert Bellande
5 9-10 Feb 21-22 Talk the Talk Antonio Esfandiari Mike Dentale Danielle Andersen Mickey Craft Maurice Hawkins Jared Jaffee
6 11-12 Mar 6-7 Racks of Lamb Ben Lamb Brian Rast Len Ashby Keith Lehr Matt Kirk Jesse Sylvia
7 13-14 Mar 14-15 Moving Violations Antonio Esfandiari Don Cheadle Jennifer Tilly Robert Sanchez Nick Vertucci John Morgan
8 15-16 Mar 20-21 Whine and Cheese Tom Marchese Justin Young Dan O'Brien Bob Bright Jeremy Ausmus Phil Hellmuth
9 17-18 May 15–16 Open House Phil Hellmuth Antonio Esfandiari Daniel Negreanu Eli Elezra Mike Matusow Maria Ho
10 19-20 Aug 1-2 Solve for Hollywood Matt Berkey Garrett Adelstein Jacky Wang Randall Emmett Farah Galfond Dave Peters
11 21-22 Aug 14-15 Rise and Grind Michael Mizrachi Alan Richardson Justin Young John Cynn Farah Galfond Maria Ho
12 23-24 Aug 21-22 Masters of the Main John Cynn Tony Miles Kelly Minkin Mickey Craft Scott Blumstein Ben Lamb
13 25-26 Aug 28-29 Under the Gun Jennifer Tilly Eli Elezra Randall Emmett Phil Hellmuth Daniel Weinand Jean-Robert Belland
14 27-28 Sep 25-26 Big Three Ben Lamb Jonathan Depa Isaac Haxton Ryan Tosoc Sam Soverel Brandon Adams
15 29-30 Oct 9-10 Power Play Nick Schulman Daniel Negreanu Jean-Robert Bellande Justin Young John Morgan Bill Klein
16 31-32 Oct 23-24 Godfather Doyle Brunson Billy O'Neil Gus Hansen Daniel Cates Brian Rast Scott Seiver
17 33-34 Nov 5-6 888poker Maria Ho Eli Elezra Jennifer Tilly Bill Klein Kelly Minkin Chris Moorman
18 35-36 Nov 13-14 Magic Moments Antonio Esfandiari Nick Varano Roger Sippl Bo Brownstein Jennifer Tilly Liron Ben Shimon
19 37-38 Nov 26-27 Dolly's Game Doyle Brunson Daniel Alaei Billy Baxter Frank Kassela Shawn Sheikhan Farzad Bonyadi
20 39-40 Dec 3-4 Pro Bono Justin Bonomo Sam Soverel Daniel Aharoni Ben Lamb Jonathan Depa Daniel Cates

Results and notes

Results from cash game weeks, which Poker After Dark introduced in Season 4 and continued in Season 5, Season 6, and Season 7, are also omitted.

Season 1 (2007)

WeekTitle6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1Poker Brat AttackPhil HellmuthSteve ZolotowShawn SheikhanAnnie DukeHuck SeedGus Hansen
2Play AnythingJerry BussDoyle BrunsonGabe KaplanMike MatusowDavid GreyDaniel Negreanu
3WSOP ChampionsCarlos MortensenJamie GoldDoyle BrunsonChris FergusonChris MoneymakerJohnny Chan
4Earphones PleaseSam FarhaPhil HellmuthAndy BlochTony GMike MatusowPhil Ivey
5Phil PhilDoyle BrunsonErik SeidelPhil HellmuthJennifer HarmanAntonio EsfandiariPhil Laak
6Talking HeadsChad BrownMichael KonikMike SextonGabe KaplanPhil GordonHoward Lederer
7Against All OddsSam FarhaTed ForrestClonie GowenGus HansenTony GChris Ferguson
8Killer TableErick LindgrenPhil GordonJennifer TillyPhil IveyPatrik AntoniusJennifer Harman
9Loose LipsBarry GreensteinMike MatusowDavid BenyamineShawn SheikhanAllen CunninghamJohn Juanda
10Ladies' WeekVanessa RoussoEvelyn NgDee LuongCyndy VioletteJennifer HarmanClonie Gowen
  • In the third episode of Week 1, the players continued to talk and make noise while Phil Hellmuth was trying to decide whether to go all-in against Annie Duke. Hellmuth held A 10, while Duke had K K. The lack of decorum caused Hellmuth to lash out at Shawn Sheikhan, call over the show's executive producer, and leave the table. Hellmuth also threatened not to participate in future Poker After Dark tournaments unless the show implemented a rule that encouraged people to stop talking when a player is making an important decision. Immediately after the incident, producers put in place a rule which states that if a player wishes to have silence at the table when faced with a tough decision, the player need only inform the dealer, who will then notify the other players of the request. Failure to comply will result in a "time-out" period of one lap of the button for the offending player(s), with blinds forfeited during this time.[18]

Season 2 (2007)

WeekTitle6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1Golden MenGreg RaymerJamie GoldHuck SeedDoyle BrunsonJohnny ChanJoe Hachem
2InternationalGus HansenDaniel NegreanuMarco TranielloDavid BenyamineBrad BoothPatrik Antonius
3Queens and KingsAli NejadAnnie DukeVanessa RoussoHoward LedererKristy GazesGabe Kaplan
4World Series LegendsChris FergusonLayne FlackErik SeidelT.J. CloutierPhil HellmuthDoyle Brunson
5WPT All-StarsMichael MizrachiErick LindgrenDaniel NegreanuGus HansenTuan LeHoward Lederer
6Live To HurtMike MatusowDaniel NegreanuPhil HellmuthAntonio EsfandiariPhil LaakShawn Sheikhan
7Poker ProwessPhil LaakAndy BlochDavid WilliamsAnnie DukeJohn JuandaClonie Gowen
8Mega MatchDavid BenyamineJennifer HarmanBarry GreensteinPhil IveyEli ElezraAllen Cunningham
9Of Mouth and MenMike MatusowAlan BostonAntonio EsfandiariPaul WasickaJamie GoldMike Sexton
10Signature WeekJennifer HarmanGus HansenChris FergusonPhil HellmuthHoward LedererPhil Ivey
  • In "International" week, Gus Hansen was knocked out after six hands, and heads-up play started after 53 hands, both record lows for the show.[19]

Season 3 (2008)

WeekTitle[14]6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1Dream TableMike MatusowDaniel NegreanuScotty NguyenKen LightJennifer HarmanPhil Hellmuth
219th HoleDavid OppenheimErick LindgrenDaniel NegreanuDoyle BrunsonPhil IveyGavin Smith
3HecklersMike MatusowSam GrizzleGavin SmithJean-Robert BellandeShawn SheikhanPhil Hellmuth
4World ChampionsHuck SeedChris FergusonBerry JohnstonJamie GoldPhil HellmuthJohnny Chan
5CowboysHoyt CorkinsDoyle BrunsonChau GiangChris FergusonAndy BlochGabe Kaplan
6InternationalDaniel NegreanuJohn JuandaGus HansenRoland De WolfePatrik AntoniusJohnny Chan
7Jam UpBarry GreensteinMike MatusowEli ElezraHoward LedererAntonio EsfandiariDavid Williams
8Gus & LadiesJ. J. LiuGus HansenErica SchoenbergBeth ShakClonie GowenVanessa Rousso
9Love at First RaiseErica SchoenbergPhil LaakJennifer HarmanJennifer TillyMarco TranielloDavid Benyamine
10CommentatorsHoward LedererPhil GordonRobert Williamson IIIChad BrownAli NejadMark Gregorich
  • "Dream Table" week featured a Poker After Dark first: Phil Hellmuth won by calling an all-in bet from both Ken Light and Jen Harman on the last hand, resulting in the first match to end with no heads-up play.
  • "Hecklers Week" featured a controversial situation which necessitated the producer having to come to the table. Phil Hellmuth attempted to bluff the river with pair of aces on the board in a hand against Jean-Robert Bellande, and Bellande called. Hellmuth then said "you got it" and held onto his cards, waiting for Bellande to show the winner. Bellande felt he did not have to show his hand, while Hellmuth thought "olden day etiquette" indicated that he should. The tournament was stopped for 5 minutes while all players voiced their opinions and eventually the producer came over and then Hellmuth showed his hand, necessitating that Bellande show his to claim the pot.[20]
  • "Jam Up" week featured a rule that allowed any player knocked out over the first six hands (once around the table) to rebuy. On the first hand, Eli Elezra was knocked out when his AK didn't crack Howard Lederer's AA when they both got all their chips in pre-flop. Eli was allowed to rebuy for another $20,000, which brought the total chips in play to $140,000, and the first place prize to $140,000.[19]
  • The "Best Of" episode that closed Season 5 featured Elezra's knockout on the first hand of Jam Up week, but did not make clear that he was able to rebuy after busting out on the first hand per that week's rules, and insinuated he was eliminated.

Season 4 (2008)

Weeks 1 and 7 were Cash Games #1 and #2, and are omitted from the results table.

WeekTitle[14]6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
2Nets Vs. VetsAndrew RoblJohnny ChanTom DwanHuck SeedDoyle BrunsonBrian Townsend
3Heads Up ChallengeNot ApplicablePaul WasickaTed ForrestChris FergusonPhil Hellmuth
4Mission ImpossibleDavid WilliamsGavin SmithMike MatusowPhil HellmuthPhil LaakClonie Gowen
5Dream IIMike SextonMike MatusowPaul FeatherstoneJennifer HarmanPhil HellmuthGavin Smith
6Mayfair ClubDan HarringtonMike ShichtmanSteve ZolotowMickey ApplemanHoward LedererJay Heimowitz
  • The Heads Up Challenge used a double-elimination format. In the opening round, Chris Ferguson defeated Paul Wasicka and Phil Hellmuth defeated Ted Forrest. Hellmuth then defeated Ferguson to move on to the final, while Forrest's win against Wasicka eliminated Wasicka. Facing off with one loss each, Ferguson defeated Forrest to set up a Hellmuth-Ferguson final, where Hellmuth only needed to win one out of two matches while Ferguson needed to sweep both matches. Ferguson won the opener before Hellmuth won the finale. In each of Hellmuth's wins against Ferguson, he had pocket tens on the final hand.

Season 5 (2009)

Seven of the 16 weeks during season 5Weeks 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16were cash games, and are omitted from the results table.

WeekTitle[14]6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1Close but no CigarDavid WilliamsDewey TomkoAllen CunninghamLee WatkinsonAndy BlackMike Matusow
2Speak Your MindPhil HellmuthTodd BrunsonGabe KaplanDavid GreyCory ZeidmanPhil Gordon
3Brilliant MindsDavid SklanskyBill ChenBrandon AdamsJimmy WarrenChris FergusonAndy Bloch
5Dream Table IIIMike MatusowDaniel NegreanuPhil LaakArnold ThimonsJennifer TillyJohnny Chan
6International IIIDavid BenyamineJohn PhanBrad BoothAllen CunninghamIvan DemidovJohn Juanda
9Sit-n-TalkMike MatusowAntonio EsfandiariJean-Robert BellandeJennifer HarmanDavid GreyVanessa Rousso
10Celebrities and MentorsJason AlexanderOrel HershiserPhil GordonBarry GreensteinDon CheadleGavin Smith
13Magnificent SixHoward LedererPhil IveyDoyle BrunsonDaniel NegreanuPhil HellmuthChris Ferguson
14USA vs. ItalyMarco TranielloChris FergusonMax PescatoriErick LindgrenDario MinieriHoward Lederer
  • Season 5 started with three veteran Poker After Dark players securing their first PAD wins (Matusow, Gordon and Bloch).
  • In Celebrities and Mentors, the mentor-celebrity relationships were Greenstein-Alexander, Smith-Hershiser and Gordon-Cheadle.
  • Chris Ferguson had lost six times, including the Season 4 Heads-Up Challenge, before his Magnificent Six win became his first win since Season 1.
  • Howard Lederer became the first player to place last one week, and win the next week.

Season 6 (2010)

Six of the 13 weeks during season 6Weeks 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, and 12were cash games, and are omitted from the results table.

WeekTitle6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1Commentators IIIKara ScottAli NejadMark GregorichHoward LedererJoe SebokGabe Kaplan
2NicknamesErick LindgrenAnnette ObrestadMike MatusowPhil HellmuthAntonio EsfandiariPhil Laak
5My Favorite ProChris FergusonJames AshbySteve BartlettCraig IveyPhil HellmuthJens Voertmann
6He Said, She SaidErica SchoenbergJean-Robert BellandeDavid GreyAnnie DukeMike MatusowKarina Jett
9Lonesome SharkErick LindgrenAntonio EsfandiariBrad BoothMike MatusowDavid WilliamsJames Akenhead
10Mixed Martial ArtsPatrik AntoniusRandy CoutureErick LindgrenDan HendersonBruce BufferHoward Lederer
13Charity In MindHoward LedererChris FergusonJennifer HarmanAnnie DukeAndy BlochPhil Gordon
  • Gabe Kaplan's win in Commentators III week marked the greatest comeback in Poker After Dark history.[21]
  • Phil Laak's win in Nicknames week marked the first time a single player has won two Poker After Dark titles against the same opponent heads-up (he won both of his titles against Antonio Esfandiari, the first being in Phil Phil week from Season 1).
  • The My Favorite Pro tournament marked the first time every episode of play ended in an elimination.

Season 7 (2011)

As of April 9, 2011, 2 of the 4 weeks aired from season 6 were cash games, and are omitted from the results table. Week 11 wasn't originally aired on NBC, but are now available on PokerGO.

WeekTitle6th Place5th Place4th Place3rd PlaceRunner-UpWinner
1SNG $100k FreezeoutJohn JuandaErick LindgrenPhil GalfondTom DwanPhil IveyHuck Seed
4SNG $50k FreezeoutDoyle BrunsonAnnette ObrestadAndrew LichtenbergerMelanie WeisnerEric BaldwinTom Dwan
11 SNG $20k Wish List Mike Matusow Mike Dappen Erica Schoenberg Jennifer Harman Phil Hellmuth Chris Ferguson
  • In week 4, Tom Dwan came back from below 40k in chips early to knock out both Andrew Lichtenberger and Melanie Weisner while trailing preflop both times, to finally finish the match against Eric Baldwin, again trailing preflop.

Season 8 (2017)

Only 3 weeks during Season 8 featured a high stakes sit & go, other episodes featured cash games and are omitted from the results table.

Week Title 6th Place 5th Place 4th Place 3rd Place Runner-up Winner
2 Voices Carry Jean-Robert Bellande David Williams William Kassouf Mike Matusow Nick Schulman Matt Berkey
2 Voices Carry Scott Seiver Jason Koon Brian Rast Matt Berkey Nick Schulman Ben Lamb
2 Voices Carry Eric Worre Igor Kurganov Greg Mueller Jason Koon Randall Emmett Liv Boeree
3 Rumble with Jungle Isaac Haxton Doug Polk Daniel Cates Frank Kassela Brian Rast Jason Koon
10 Holidays with Hellmuth Mike Matusow Dan Shak Randall Emmett Antonio Esfandiari Phil Hellmuth Maria Ho
10 Holidays with Hellmuth Doyle Brunson Joseph Marchese David Penski Maria Ho Daniel Negreanu Phil Hellmuth

Season 9 (2018)

Only 1 week during Season 9 featured a high stakes sit & go, other episodes featured cash games and are omitted from the results table.

Week Title 7th Place 6th Place 5th Place 4th Place 3rd Place Runner-up Winner
17 888poker Chris Moorman Jennifer Tilly Kelly Minkin Peter Martin Bill Klein Eli Elezra Maria Ho
17 888poker Maria Ho Bill Klein Chris Moorman Kelly Minkin Jennifer Tilly Otto Richard Eli Elezra

Season 10 (2019)

Only 3 weeks during Season 10 featured a high stakes sit & go, other episodes featured cash games and are omitted from the results table.

Week Title 7th Place 6th Place 5th Place 4th Place 3rd Place Runner-up Winner
5 888poker II Dominik Nitsche Jennifer Tilly Mark Heintz Randall Emmett Chris Moorman Phil Hellmuth Ali Imsirovic
5 888poker II Jennifer Tilly Phil Hellmuth Dominik Nitsche Eli Elezra Randall Emmett Ali Imsirovic Chris Moorman
11 Showbound! Norm Macdonald Garry Gates Jamie Kerstetter Jamie Gold Woody Kaawar Chance Kornuth Maria Ho
11 Showbound! Jeff Platt Jamie Kerstetter Jamie Gold Clyde Lorance Chance Kornuth Sam Simmons Garry Gates
12 Whales vs. Wizards Randall Emmett Ali Imsirovic Dominik Nitsche Anthony Alberto Tom Schwartz Kitty Kuo Justin Young

Season 11 (2020)

Season 11 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and only featured two weeks which were both cash games.

Season 12 (2021)

Only 1 week during Season 12 featured a high stakes sit & go, other episodes featured cash games and are omitted from the results table.

Week Title 6th Place 5th Place 4th Place 4rd Place Runner-up Winner
5 Lesson Learned

Reception

In the U.S., the show had some early ratings success: during season one's second week, it attracted on average a larger audience among adults 18-34 than The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson did the same week, even though the latter is broadcast 90 minutes earlier.[22]

Sponsorship

Full Tilt Poker regularly advertised during Poker After Dark broadcasts, and in some countries, Full Tilt Poker is included in the show's title, which for a time prompted players associated with a rival site (Poker Stars) to stop appearing on the show. Full Tilt Poker held promotional tournaments that offered a seat on the show as the grand prize. The first of these winners, Ken Light, appeared in the first week of Season 3, and was said to have picked his own opponents, though Light later said on the show itself that he was only asked to provide a list of his favorite players and that he did not know that players from the list would join him on the show.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. Although the standard buy-in on Poker After Dark is $20,000, the buy-in for the Mega Match (which first aired the week of October 8, 2007) was $50,000.

References

  1. NBC Announces New Poker After Dark series, from the NBC Universal Media Village website
  2. NBC launches poker show Archived 2007-10-28 at the Wayback Machine from United Press International
  3. B. Solomon (April 21, 2011). "Sponsorship Casualties Of US Online Poker Crusade". Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  4. Poker After Dark kicks off season with Dream Match
  5. Cardplayer article on Season 4
  6. Season 4 preview from Poker News
  7. http://www.nbc.com/schedule/?tz=ET
  8. http://www.lasvegasvegas.com/content/nbc-national-heads-poker-championship-folds-1319490592%5B%5D
  9. Katz, Dan (October 17, 2011). "2012 National Heads-Up Poker Championship Cancelled". Poker News Daily. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  10. Poker Exklusiv Archived 2007-08-05 at the Wayback Machine on the DSF website
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-12-12. Retrieved 2009-12-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. "Poker After Dark returns for second season". Archived from the original on July 4, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-13.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) from the NBC Sports website
  13. pokerafterdark.com past matches Archived 2007-10-01 at the Wayback Machine from the NBC Sports website
  14. 2008 Poker After Dark schedule Archived 2008-02-25 at the Wayback Machine from the NBC Sports website
  15. Murphy, Steve (2008-12-29). "Poker After Dark's Fifth Season Debuts Tonight". CardPlayer.com. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
  16. "2009 Poker After Dark schedule". nbcsports.msnbc.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-21. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-11-12. Retrieved 2010-01-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. Poker After Dark Week 1 Recap Archived 2007-02-04 at the Wayback Machine from the NBC Sports website
  19. Nejad's commentary
  20. Poker After Dark Hecklers Recap Archived 2008-01-23 at the Wayback Machine from the PAD website
  21. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-01-16. Retrieved 2010-01-11.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. Poker After Dark Draws Ratings Archived 2007-02-26 at Archive.today, a January 2007 Bodog Online poker blog entry
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