ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Signs Off After 23 Years on Air

NEW YORK, NY — ESPN’s debate show ‘Around the Horn‘ will air its final episode on Friday after 23 years. Host Tony Reali shared his thoughts on the show’s end during a recent interview, expressing a mix of nostalgia and disappointment.

“I think the bones of the show is journalism,” Reali said on the Dan Patrick Show. He added that losing ‘Around the Horn’ marks the end of an era, suggesting that there won’t be a comparable program to follow. Critics, however, have pointed out that the show was more about entertaining debates than strict journalism.

Reali acknowledged the contributions of alumni such as Tim Cowlishaw and Bill Plaschke, who have made notable careers out of their time on the show. Yet, he faced backlash for equating the show’s format with journalism.

“It was never about journalism,” said Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. He argues that the premise of awarding points for opinions rather than reporting decreased the show’s credibility over its lifespan. Despite this, he admitted that it helped launch the careers of many sportswriters.

As a fixture in sports media, ‘Around the Horn’ developed a loyal following, with its 4,953 episodes fostering lively debates on various sports topics. The show’s evolution over the years included a diversity of panelists and an attempt to engage with social issues, which some viewers found to be at odds with its lighthearted premise.

The cancellation comes as ESPN executives reassess the network’s programming strategy. While there is no direct replacement announced yet, possibilities include Peter Schrager taking a new afternoon slot.

Reali seemed grateful for his time on the show, stating, “I’m saying there was thoughtfulness to ‘Around the Horn,’ an empathy and maturity to it.” This sentiment was echoed by panelists during the final episode as they shared how the show impacted their careers.

As the curtain falls on ‘Around the Horn,’ it leaves behind a legacy that shaped a generation of sports debate television.