It’s been over two decades since ESPN NFL 2K5 set the gold standard for immersive football presentation. Ask any longtime football gaming fan what made 2K5 so memorable, and the answer isn’t just about gameplay, it’s about atmosphere. One of the most beloved features was its fully-realized halftime shows, complete with Chris Berman breaking down the first half’s highlights with voice-over and slick replays. For years, fans have asked, "Why can’t Madden do halftime shows right?" Based on some new gameplay info, it seems like Madden NFL 26 is finally stepping up.

Madden NFL 26 has announced that the edition will feature fully-produced half-time shows and weekly highlight recaps, with none other than NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson at the helm. The move marks a long-overdue attempt to bring immersive broadcast-style presentation back to the Madden franchise, a feature that has been missing, or at best, half-heartedly implemented for far too long. I hope halftime shows in Madden 26 finally make it into the end zone and give players the full NFL experience and bring back a beloved feature from NFL 2K5.

Madden NFL 26 Is Adding A Halftime Show

Madden Finally Pulls The Trigger On Proper Halftime Shows

Madden NFL 26 will feature dynamic halftime shows hosted and voiced by Scott Hanson. The decision to bring Scott Hanson into the fold is an interesting and potentially smart move. Hanson is synonymous with NFL RedZone, where his ability to shift between games and highlight big moments has become legendary. If EA can channel even a fraction of that energy and style into Madden NFL 26, it could be a game-changer. Of course, this is an essential immersion feature that one of the greatest football games of all time, ESPN 2k5, nailed a long time ago, so this was a long time coming.

"There will also be Weekly Recaps similar to the old 2K5 formula that will provide league-wide rundowns, such as standout performances, major upsets, and injury updates."

These segments will include actual first-half highlights, player stats, key moments, and "storylines" specific to each game. There will also be Weekly Recaps similar to the old 2K5 formula that will provide league-wide rundowns, such as standout performances, major upsets, and injury updates. This will all serve to make the experience more immersive, ideally using highlights, recaps, and commentary based on what's happening in your career during Franchise Mode.

ESPN NFL 2K5 Was Ahead Of Madden’s Game

The Ghost of Halftimes Past May Finally Be Put To Rest

ESPN NFL 2K5, released in 2004, was way ahead of its time, especially when it comes to the halftime show presentation. The halftime show wasn’t just a quick highlight reel, it was a full segment that immersed players into the game. Chris Berman’s commentary added context and gave it real authenticity. Dynamic camera angles made every touchdown feel like it was part of a live Sunday broadcast. The game even featured weekly wrap-up shows, giving players the sense that they were really part of the experience rather than just progressing through a season.

In contrast, Madden has never truly nailed this. Over the years, it has dabbled with halftime presentations, incorporating brief cutscenes, static screens with stats, or a few quick replays with generic voice-over. However, nothing captured the drama or polish of 2K5, and Madden never really settled on a working formula. Often, halftime in Madden is just a break before the second half, which is simply a missed opportunity to add some excellent immersion for players that want to enjoy a full NFL experience.

The fact that we’re still talking about a 2004 game as the presentation benchmark in 2025 says a lot. ESPN NFL 2K5 was super innovative and set the bar pretty high. Madden has never quite caught up in regard to half-time shows, but Madden NFL 26 might finally find the sweet spot. For a generation of players who Chris Berman’s "Boom!" and the detailed game breakdowns, this could be the return to form they’ve been waiting for.