Big Pickleball is making moves. The once-blissfully obscure “sport”(?) has become inexplicably popular across multiple generations, boosted by a cadre of baby boomers who’ve somehow coaxed their Millennial and Gen Z grandchildren into suiting up too. And now, Stephen Colbert of all people is hosting a Funny or Die-produced celeb pickleball match. It’ll be called Pickled, it’ll air on CBS and it’ll follow some people playing pickleball.
But not just any people! Famous people. Will Ferrell, Max Greenfield, Luis Guzman, Tig Notaro, Daniel Dae Kim, June Diane Raphael, Paul Scheer, Kelly Rowland and Emma Watson have all been hoodwinked by their agents into participating. Cari Champion, John Michael Higgins and Bill Raftery are offering color commentary. Kenny Loggins will be there to sing the National Anthem? Sure. Why not?
Pickled isn’t the only sign of pickleball’s soaring popularity. Lebron James invested in Major League Pickleball, which is expanding its number of teams next year. And alas, there will apparently be some sort of halftime show sponsored by Claussen pickles. We live in a world of mysteries.
That said, there is reason to be optimistic. Ferrell’s involvement promises that at least someone, somewhere must be putting together a pitch for a Blades of Glory—type movie about competitive pickleball. Can’t be more boring than watching the actual thing.