Debuting on May 6, 2003 as Rome Is Burning, it was originally a once a week show in primetime at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday nights. After a short hiatus in 2004, it returned with a new name, Jim Rome Is Burning, and a late-night Thursday timeslot. In February 2005, the show began airing five days a week in the afternoon. It is produced by Mandt Bros. Productions in association with ESPN Original Entertainment.

These segments almost always run in the above order, with Correspondents pieces about once per week. On rare occasions, if the Alone with Rome guest is late to the studio or the remote location, that segment will air after the Forum. On other occasions, the segments are in a different order by design, without explanation of lateness. Also, a show may end with a Correspondents piece instead of a Final Burn.

These are guests to the program appearing occasionally, with some appearing more than others. Guest hosts and forum guests usually serve that role for a full calendar week.