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After more than two decades, ESPN bids farewell to Around the Horn, celebrating its legacy of spirited sports debates and unforgettable panelists.
In a major shift for ESPN’s lineup, the sports debate show Around the Horn will air its final episode on May 23, 2025, after more than two decades of on-air discussion and debate. The show, which premiered on November 4, 2002, has been a fixture on the sports network, producing over 4,900 episodes since its debut.
Originally hosted by Max Kellerman, Around the Horn became known for its fast-paced format, where a panel of sports journalists would discuss current events, with points awarded for insightful commentary and occasionally contentious opinions. After Kellerman left for Fox Sports, Tony Reali took over the hosting duties in 2004 and remained at the helm for the remainder of the show’s run.
“Around the Horn has had a remarkable run of more than two decades. That kind of longevity in media is incredibly rare,” said David Roberts, ESPN’s Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating the show’s many accomplishments before the final sign-off in May.”
The show’s success can be attributed not only to its host but also to the diverse and often entertaining group of panelists who appeared throughout the years. Sports journalists such as J.A. Adande, Kevin Blackistone, Tim Cowlishaw, Jemele Hill, Frank Isola, Bomani Jones, and many others contributed to the program’s enduring appeal. Their witty banter and sharp takes on sports stories helped shape the landscape of sports commentary in the 21st century.
Behind the scenes, the production team, led by Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, played a crucial role in Around the Horn’s consistent success, ensuring the show remained relevant and engaging for a wide audience. The format, while simple—bringing together diverse voices to debate sports news—proved to be highly effective and became a model for other sports talk shows.
With the end of Around the Horn, ESPN plans to replace it with a 30-minute edition of SportsCenter at 5 p.m. ET on weekdays during the summer, offering a fresh alternative to the format.
As the show prepares for its final broadcast, fans of Around the Horn are left reflecting on the lasting impact it had on sports media. In a landscape that constantly changes, the show’s remarkable two-decade run is a rare achievement, and it’s clear that its influence will continue to be felt in the world of sports journalism for years to come.
The final episode of Around the Horn on May 23 promises to be a celebration of its legacy, highlighting the many memorable moments, debates, and personalities that made the show a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming.
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