David Kaplan (Photo: NBC Sports Chicago)

David Kaplan, a preeminent voice of sports in Chicago, is about to host a new Monday-through-Friday sports talk show on NBC Sports Chicago.

Starting April 4 “Unfiltered with David Kaplan” will air at 6 p.m. weeknights. After a 20-month hiatus, it will mark a return to nightly TV for Kaplan, who hosted “Sports Talk Live” on the regional sports network for more than 16 years.

“I am so excited to be back doing a daily TV show and having such a great opportunity to highlight all of the stories that make Chicago the best sports city in America,” Kaplan told me Monday.

NBC Sports Chicago

On the new 30-minute show, Kaplan “will bring the entertainment to sports talk with his honest take on all teams . . . [and] dive into trending sports topics, pop culture and candid conversations with players, coaches and insiders," according to the network.

The show, sponsored by PointsBet, also will feature a daily segment on sports gambling.

“Kaplan not only lives, eats, sleeps and breathes sports, but he’s also wildly entertaining," John Schippman, vice president of sports content at NBCUniversal Local Chicago, said in a statement. "This high-energy show will be for every type of Chicago fan and we’re excited to blend sports and entertainment.”

On nights when its broadcast is preempted by a live game or pre/post coverage, the show will continue to be available on NBC Sports Chicago's livestream.

Kaplan hosted “Sports Talk Live” for more than 16 years before it was cut in August 2020 as part of companywide reductions at NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. He segued to host its “Football Aftershow” wrap-up program.

The Skokie native and 2021 Chicagoland Sports Hall of Famer continues to co-host mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. weekdays with Jonathan Hood on Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM.