Final Episode of ‘Around the Horn’ Set to Air Amid Ratings Decline

BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN’s iconic sports debate show ‘Around the Horn’ is approaching its final episode, scheduled to air on May 23, 2025. The cancellation follows a significant decline in viewership and a strategic shift at the network.

Launched in 2002 as a spin-off of ‘Pardon the Interruption,’ ‘Around the Horn’ highlighted sportswriters from various regions, showcasing their insights on national airwaves. Despite its innovative approach, the show has struggled to retain audiences. In recent months, data revealed that ‘Pardon the Interruption’ outperformed ‘Around the Horn’ by an average of over 200,000 viewers.

During March and April of this year, ‘Around the Horn’ averaged 362,000 viewers, while ‘Pardon the Interruption’ attracted around 574,400 viewers. This stark comparison indicates a shift in viewer preference and highlights the challenges faced by ‘Around the Horn’ as competitors adapt to changing media landscapes.

ESPN executives attributed the cancellation to a need for evolution. David Roberts, who oversees ESPN’s studio shows, emphasized that the program’s viewership had not significantly declined but that a strategic pivot was necessary. ‘We have to evolve,’ Roberts stated, suggesting the need for modernized formats that resonate with current audiences.

There has been speculation that replacing ‘Around the Horn’ could involve extending ‘Pardon the Interruption’ or introducing a new program. As of now, ESPN plans to air a short segment of SportsCenter as a lead-in to ‘Pardon the Interruption,’ but details on a permanent replacement remain unclear.

‘Around the Horn’ has long been known for its colorful and dynamic panelists, including Tony Reali, who has hosted the show since 2004. Reali expressed disappointment over the show’s end but acknowledged that the landscape of sports media has changed. ‘ESPN is trying to drill down on games right now,’ he said.

The cancellation has left a mark on the sports media community, especially among younger journalists who found a platform for their voices through ‘Around the Horn.’ As it airs its final episodes, the show reflects a pivotal moment in sports broadcasting history.