An ESPN staple is officially coming to an end.
On Tuesday, the network announced that Around the Horn will air its final episode on Friday, May 23, ending its 23-year run on the airwaves.
The legendary weekday sports discussion and debates show will end the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, having aired nearly 5,000 episodes since its debut in 2002.
According to reports, once the show’s run has concluded, ESPN will air a 30-minute SportsCenter in its 5 p.m. ET time slot until a permanent replacement is found for the key window before Pardon the Interruption.
News of the show’s cancellation was first reported by Front Office reporter Ryan Glasspiegel last November, but not officially acknowledged by ESPN until Tuesday.
Dave Roberts, the executive vice president at ESPN, released a statement confirming the decision.
“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 said.
“Beyond Tony and the ensemble of on-air contributors, we are particularly grateful to the production team led by Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, who have been instrumental in ATH’s consistent success since the very beginning.”
“Incredible run,” posted one fan,
“End of an era,” wrote a second.
“The after school / after practice childhood staple. Had a great run,” a third shared.
“Used to love that show. Would watch it all the time. Going to miss it,” commented another.
Around the Horn was particularly popular among a younger generation of sports fan.
It also introduced millions of TV viewers to top sports journalists from around the country who regularly contributed to the show.
Writers likes Max Kellerman, JA Adande, Kevin Blackistone, Tim Cowlishaw, Jemele Hill, Frank Isola, Mina Kimes, Jackie MacMullan, Woody Paige, and Ramona Shelburne, to name a few, all cut their broadcasting teeth on Around the Horn.
Tony Reali, who has hosted ATH since February 2004 but remained silent when rumours first broke of the show’s end, shared his thoughts on the news.
“Thank you, guys, I’m overwhelmed but I’ll try to give FaceTimes to you all. All I ever wanted was for you to know that I care,” Reali wrote on X.
“I absolutely love the show, always have. I don’t get it. Makes no sense to cut it. It’s SO GOOD. Ugh,” one fan replied to Reali.
“I remember you starting with PTI when I was in high school. appreciate you and all of the ppl who have been on the show it’s been an amazing run. Tearing up right now,” another wrote.
