On August 14, 2008, it was announced that Russo had decided to leave WFAN, and thus ended the "Mike and the Mad Dog" show two weeks shy of its 19th anniversary scenario. This ended two months of speculation of whether the show was going to make it to a 20th season. At the same time, Francesa signed a five-year deal to stay at WFAN. September 8, 2008 officially marked the kickoff of Francesa's new solo WFAN program, which he announced on air would be called "Mike'd Up", the same name as his former weekly television program on WNBC. Francesa on the FAN was seen on the YES Network from 2008 until 2014.