ESPN has reportedly canceled one of its longtime-running shows, ‘Around the Horn’, after 23 years on the air.
‘Around the Horn’ has been a staple for the sports network as a debate show featuring a point system, muting, and captivating personalities, long before they were trendy on social media.
The half-hour show has been paired with ‘Pardon the Interruption’ for its entire run as part of ESPN’s 5 p.m. Eastern block of programming, leading into the 6 p.m. SportsCenter.
The decision to axe ‘Around the Horn’ has not been publicly announced, but it is slated to end next summer, per the New York Post.
Tony Reali has hosted ‘Around the Horn’ since 2004, taking over for original host Max Kellerman.
Panelists on the show have been national newspaper columnists such as Tim Cowlishaw, Kevin Blackistone, Bill Plaschke, and Woody Paige. Over the years, ESPN’s own talent has been on the panel such as Mina Kimes and Ramona Shelbourne.
ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ is reportedly going off the air after a long run with the sports network
The show’s host Tony Reali (left) and panelist Tim Cowlishaw (right) have been ATH staples
What will replace ‘Around the Horn’ is unclear, as ESPN does have a few other sports discussion shows with multiple panelists, such as ‘First Take’.
Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser’s ‘PTI’ does not appear to be in danger of being cut alongside ‘Around the Horn’.
With an announcement of ‘Around the Horn’ ending possibly coming soon, the iconic show will have several months to pay tribute to its legacy before going off the air for good.
The topics on ‘Around the Horn’ typically were about the biggest sports events of the day, with more fun topics also getting in the mix.
The winner is always chosen by Reali, who moderates and scores each debate.
