Mina Kimes to Host Spelling Bee on ION Reaching 128 Million Homes
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes will host the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals and finals on ION, produced by Michael Davies’ Embassy Row, airing May 27 and 28. ION, owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, reaches 128 million households, marking a refreshed broadcast vision for its flagship educational event.
1. Host and Event Schedule
Mina Kimes, a 10-time Emmy Award–winning ESPN analyst and three-time school spelling bee champion, will host the televised semifinals on May 27 and the finals on May 28. The live semifinals stream begins at 2:30 p.m. ET, with an 8–10 p.m. ET broadcast window for both nights.
2. Production Overhaul by Embassy Row
Embassy Row, led by producer Michael Davies, is responsible for the refreshed broadcast vision. Davies brings experience from quiz formats like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Jeopardy!, aiming to sharpen tension and highlight individual spellers.
3. Broadcast Reach and Platform
The E.W. Scripps Company owns ION, which distributes content to 128 million U.S. households via pay TV, connected TV, free ad-supported streaming and over-the-air signals. This two-night special is positioned as a marquee educational event in Scripps’ programming slate.
4. Strategic Impact for Scripps
Revamping the national spelling bee broadcast supports Scripps’ goal to elevate viewership and ad inventory value during primetime. Enhanced storytelling and high-profile hosting could drive higher ratings and premium ad rates for ION’s educational content.