BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN’s beloved program “Around the Horn” is set to broadcast its final episode on Friday, May 23, marking the end of an impressive nearly 23-year journey. Since its premiere on November 4, 2002, the weekday sports debate and discussion series has become a staple for viewers at 5 p.m. EST each day. Tony Reali, who stepped into the role of host in 2004, has been the show’s familiar face ever since, succeeding Max Kellerman, the original host of the show’s initial two years.
Over its lifespan, “Around the Horn” has aired more than 4,900 episodes, engaging its audience with spirited debates led by four panelists, primarily sports columnists. These panelists would strive to earn points and dodge being muted by Reali while sharing their insights on the latest and greatest sports stories of the day.
David Roberts, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor for sports news and entertainment, commented on the show’s conclusion. “Around the Horn has achieved a remarkable lifespan of over two decades. Such longevity in the media landscape is a rarity, and we are eager to commemorate the extraordinary milestones this show has reached as we approach its final goodbye in May,” he stated. “Alongside Tony and our diverse group of on-air contributors, we owe special gratitude to the production team, led by Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, for ensuring ATH’s consistent triumph since the outset.”
Longtime contributor Woody Paige, who holds the record for most appearances and wins on the program, expressed on social media following the announcement, “My records will never be surpassed. But this news has truly broken my heart.”
Adding her voice, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes noted, “The show instilled me with the confidence to envision someone like myself on television. I will eternally appreciate the producers and, of course, Tony Reali, whose embodiment of kindness and intellect is all too rare in today’s world.”
As a replacement, ESPN has announced it will air a 30-minute segment of “SportsCenter” in the weekday 5 p.m. EST time slot throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, “Pardon The Interruption,” featuring hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, continues to broadcast at 5:30 p.m. EST since October 22, 2001. No further announcements regarding its future have been made.
