Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charissa Thompson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 21, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Charissa Thompson made an impact.

Charissa Thompson is a prominent American television host and sportscaster currently working for Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video. She gained significant experience at ESPN, where she co-hosted SportsNation with Marcellus Wiley. In 2013, she transitioned to Fox Sports to host Fox Sports Live upon the launch of Fox Sports 1. Thompson also hosted Ultimate Beastmaster and co-hosted the entertainment news show Extra from 2014 to 2017. Her career has spanned various networks, including Versus, GSN, and the Big Ten Network, establishing her as a well-known figure in sports broadcasting.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: FSN Appearances

In 2007, Charissa Thompson appeared on baseball programs for FSN, including The 2007 MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade and The Baseball Report.

2008: First NFL Sideline Reporting Role

In fall 2008, Charissa Thompson began her first run as an NFL sideline reporter. During the season, she dyed her hair black, which garnered attention.

2009: End of The Best Damn Sports Show Period hosting

In 2009, Charissa Thompson's time co-hosting FSN's 'The Best Damn Sports Show Period' concluded due to the show's cancellation.

July 2010: FIFA World Cup Coverage

In June and July 2010, Charissa Thompson covered the FIFA World Cup in South Africa for Yahoo! Sports.

January 2011: BCS National Championship Game Coverage

In January 2011, Charissa Thompson covered the BCS National Championship game for Yahoo! Sports.

January 30, 2011: NHL All-Star Game Coverage

On January 30, 2011, Charissa Thompson covered the NHL All-Star Game for Versus.

June 2011: Joins ESPN

In June 2011, Charissa Thompson joined ESPN.

September 12, 2011: Numbers Never Lie Debut

On September 12, 2011, Charissa Thompson co-hosted the show Numbers Never Lie with Michael Smith, which debuted on ESPN.

July 2012: Host of SportsNation

In July 2012, Charissa Thompson replaced Michelle Beadle as host of SportsNation on ESPN.

June 2013: Departure from ESPN for Fox Sports

In June 2013, Charissa Thompson left ESPN, where she co-hosted SportsNation with Marcellus Wiley, to join Fox Sports.

June 2013: Leaves ESPN to return to Fox Sports

In June 2013, she left ESPN to return to Fox Sports.

August 17, 2013: Fox Sports 1 Debut

On August 17, 2013, Charissa Thompson became the host of Fox Sports Live on the new Fox Sports 1 network.

2013: Co-host of ABC's Splash

In 2013, Charissa Thompson joined actor Joey Lawrence as a co-host of ABC's reality TV series Splash.

Loading Video...

2013: Rejoins Fox Sports for FS1 Launch

In 2013, Charissa Thompson rejoined Fox Sports for the launch of Fox Sports 1 (FS1), hosting Fox Sports Live.

2014: Joins Extra as Co-Host

In 2014, Charissa Thompson began co-hosting the syndicated entertainment news show Extra.

May 2015: Host of Barstool Spelling Bee

In May 2015, Charissa Thompson hosted the "Barstool Spelling Bee".

2016: Host on Ultimate Beastmaster

In 2016, Charissa Thompson became a host on the Netflix reality show Ultimate Beastmaster. Thompson also joined Top Rank's broadcasting team for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas pay-per-view event.

Loading Video...