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There's Growing Speculation About Future Of 'Pardon The Interruption'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:23 PM ET

ESPN announced the end of a TV institution by canceling Around The Horn. The move could affect its longtime running mate, Pardon The Interruption.

Earlier this week, ESPN confirmed that Around The Horn will televise its final episode on Friday, May 23. For 23 years, the half-hour daily sports shows aired before PTI at 5 p.m. ET.

Despite Around The Horn's end, PTI doesn't appear to be in danger of suffering the same fate. On his Front Office Sports podcast, Michael McCarthy said ESPN could instead expand PTI to a full hour to fill its longtime neighbor's vacated slot.

ESPN could also create a new companion show to air before Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser's long-running program.

"I've heard they might do some individually focused show," McCarthy said. "Perhaps they reward some real rising star with his or her own show. So that's still to be determined."

McCarthy believes ESPN wants to keep working with PTI and Around The Horn executive producer Erik Rydholm.

"He's one of the most legendary producers in the business, and I think he's gonna play a big role in whatever the next show is."

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported ESPN's consideration of an hour-long PTI in December. The sports media insider also said the network floated a possible show for Shannon Sharpe when signing the former Fox Sports personality last year.

"For now, though, an expanded PTI is at the forefront of discussions," Marchand wrote. "It would be doubling down on a successful show. Kornheiser and Wilbon would likely receive raises if they are to agree to extend their on-air time by another half hour."

Tony Reali started as Pardon The Interruption's "Stat Boy" before hosting Around the Horn. He stayed positive when discussing the show's conclusion on the Dan Le Batard Show.

"You're gonna get knocked over by waves and you get up, of course," Reali said. "I'm gonna be on TV today, and I'll be smiling, and you know I feel happy. And I also feel sad."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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