After more than two decades of heated sports debates, Around the Horn will air its final episode on May 23, 2025, ESPN confirmed on Tuesday, March 4. The show, which first hit the airwaves in November 2002, has been a staple of ESPN’s afternoon lineup, with nearly 5,000 episodes under its belt.
Hosted by Tony Reali since 2004, the show’s signature format—where panelists battle it out for points while Reali wields the power to mute them mid-argument—made it a fan favorite. But as ESPN looks to shake things up, ATH is stepping aside, with SportsCenter set to temporarily fill the 5:00 p.m. ET timeslot this summer.
ESPN’s Statement on the Show’s End
ESPN executive David Roberts praised the show’s incredible longevity in a statement, calling it a rare feat in today’s media landscape.
“Around the Horn has had a remarkable run of more than two decades. That kind of longevity in media is incredibly rare, and we look forward to celebrating the show’s many accomplishments before the final sign-off in May.”
Roberts also gave a special shoutout to Reali, the rotating panel of sports journalists, and the behind-the-scenes crew, particularly executive producers Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, for their contributions to the show’s success.
Why Is ESPN Canceling Around the Horn?
While ESPN hasn’t explicitly said why the show is ending, Sports Illustrated reports that the network is looking for a “more modern concept” to replace it. Though ATH trailed its lead-in show, Pardon the Interruption, its ratings remained on par with other ESPN debate shows like First Take and Get Up.
Emotional Reactions from Tony Reali & Panelists
The announcement sent shockwaves through the sports world, with many of the show’s biggest personalities sharing their reactions online.
Reali, who took over from Max Kellerman in 2004, posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Thank you guys, I’m overwhelmed but I’ll try to give FaceTimes to you all! Between this and Ash Wednesday this is my busy season!”
He also quoted Guns N’ Roses’ Rocket Queen:
“All I ever wanted / Was for you / To know that I care.”
Longtime panelist Woody Paige, who holds the all-time points record, joked about his legacy:
“My records will never be broken. But my heart is broken. Sorry to hear that frat houses and bars no longer will have shots of Fireball every time I’m muted.”
Meanwhile, other contributors reflected on the show’s impact:
- Mina Kimes credited Around the Horn for giving her the confidence to pursue a career in sports TV.
- David Dennis Jr. admitted he never thought about working on TV until he appeared on the show.
What’s Next for Tony Reali?
With Around the Horn wrapping up, fans are left wondering what’s next for Tony Reali. Sports Illustrated reports that ESPN hasn’t made any decisions about his future role, but losing him would be a “big loss” for the network.
For now, SportsCenter will take over the 5:00 p.m. ET slot starting this summer. However, ESPN is reportedly developing new programming to replace Around the Horn permanently.
The countdown to the final episode is on—so enjoy the debates, the point tallies, and, of course, those legendary Reali mutes while you still can. 🎤
Real Deal Team
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