Remembering Bo

2006 television special by WXYZ-TV

Remembering Bo is a sixty-minute television special aired annually on WXYZ-TV, Channel 7 in Detroit, Michigan since 2006. The special was first televised on November 17, 2006, the date of Bo Schembechler's death. It is hosted by former WXYZ-TV sports director Don Shane. This documentary is televised annually, airing immediately after WXYZ's broadcast of the City of Detroit's Christmas tree lighting, as well as, until 2024, sometimes on Christmas Day prior to ABC's National Basketball Association coverage. It focuses on the life and career of Schembechler, including his football coaching career, which included 21 seasons as head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team, as well as stints as president of the Detroit Tigers and his co-hosting of Big Ten Ticket, Channel 7's football pregame show. Because Big Ten Ticket is rarely broadcast in reruns, WXYZ had to throw together clips from past episodes of the series in order to create the special. Also included are highlights of Michigan Wolverines games coached by Schembechler. The special is currently unavailable on DVD. Shane retired as sports director in 2012, and was replaced as sports director and cohost of Big Ten Ticket by Tom Leyden.

Every year, after the glittering City of Detroit tree lighting, families settle onto their sofas for a very local dose of holiday nostalgia: the "Remembering Bo" special. Its timing cements the program as part of the city’s festive ritual, offering a shared moment for football fans and non‑fans alike. The 60‑minute documentary slots neatly between the tree ceremony and the night’s other broadcasts, creating a smooth, community‑focused transition from ornamental sparkle to sport‑filled excitement. For many Detroits, especially alumni of the University of Michigan, the special feels like a quiet tribute that blends the season’s generosity with a beloved local hero’s story.

Since the programme isn’t sold on DVD, the only way to watch it is live on WXYZ‑TV. Set a reminder for the slot after the tree lighting, or record it on your digital recorder before the subsequent NBA coverage starts. If you’re new to Bo Schembechler, keep a notepad handy for the quick cuts of old "Big Ten Ticket" footage – they’re often brief but packed with colourful anecdotes. Pair the viewing with classic Michigan fare – think a plate of mac and cheese or a warm bowl of pretzel soup – to replicate the cosy, communal feel that the producers intend.

The special isn’t just a highlight reel of game‑day triumphs; it also shines a light on Bo’s lesser‑known roles as president of the Detroit Tigers and co‑host of a regional football pre‑show. Because the producers had to cobble together clips from the rarely‑rerun "Big Ten Ticket", many of the behind‑the‑scenes moments are unique to this broadcast. First‑time viewers might overlook these segments, focusing only on the famous Wolverines footage. Paying attention to the off‑field anecdotes reveals how Bo’s leadership style resonated beyond the gridiron, reinforcing why he remains a year‑round figure in Detroit’s sports psyche.