One of ESPN’s legacy programs, “Around the Horn,” will end in the summer of 2025, two sources briefed on the plans Thursday. The New York Post first reported the news.
The roundtable show, in which notable panelists from the media world discuss the most important stories of the day, was launched in 2002 with Max Kellerman as host. Tony Reali took over hosting duties in 2004 and has remained in that role ever since. The show became a popular mainstay on the network in the 5:00 PM ET timeslot, paired with “Pardon the Interruption” and featuring sportswriters and media personalities from across the country, including Woody Paige, Mina Kimes, Bill Plaschke, Jackie MacMullan, JA Adande and including Elle Duncan.
Erik Rydholm, creator and executive producer of “Pardon the Interruption,” has overseen “Around the Horn” since 2004.
The athletec’s Stephen J. Nesbitt, in a story about Reali in 2022, described the show as evolving “from a barrage of bombastic debate to a smarter show where banter and nuance can coexist”, writing that “Reali has evolved from a facilitator, a passer-by”. from the premier point guard to a host whose voice and vulnerability have turned a glorified game show into a refreshingly authentic space.”
It is unclear what the future will hold for the 46-year-old Reali. As for the show’s location, the network and Rydholm’s team are exploring other shows but don’t have an exact plan yet, a source briefed on the matter confirmed.
ESPN declined to comment.
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(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for ESPN)