The mute button was pressed for the final time on the iconic sports talk show, “Around the Horn,” as it aired its last episode on Friday. This legendary program, which has been a staple of ESPN for nearly two decades, concluded its run after producing close to 5,000 episodes. In March, the network had announced that the show would sign off on May 23, leaving fans and viewers anticipating a replacement that has yet to be revealed.
The atmosphere during the final broadcast was somber, with longtime host Tony Reali opening the show with an emotional tribute to everyone who contributed to the success of “Around the Horn.” Reali expressed heartfelt gratitude to the crew, panelists, and loyal fans who have supported the show throughout its remarkable journey.
During the poignant episode, Reali welcomed some of the most distinguished panelists from the show's history for a final segment of “Face Time.” Each panelist took a moment to reflect on their experiences and express their appreciation for the platform that “Around the Horn” provided. Longtime panelist Bob Ryan reminisced about the dramatic changes in the sports landscape since the show first aired on November 4, 2002. “When we came on the air, things that were true then are no longer true now,” Ryan noted, highlighting the evolution of sports over the past two decades.
J.A. Adande took the opportunity to pay homage to fellow panelist and all-time wins leader Woody Paige, who also joined the final episode. Adande likened Paige's contributions to those of Michael Jordan, stating, “Game recognizes game. GOAT recognized GOAT.” This tribute underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect that developed among the panelists over the years.
As the show drew to a close, Reali dedicated the final moments to explaining the unique scoring system of “Around the Horn.” He shared insights into how the system mirrored the unpredictability of life itself. “I wanted to host the most real show I could, so I engineered the scoring system to be real and lifelike,” Reali explained. He emphasized that just as life presents different challenges and rewards, so did the scoring system.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Reali shared his personal journey with the show, stating, “I was 24 when I started on this show, and I grew up on this show.” He reflected on how “Around the Horn” shaped him and resonated with many viewers who experienced life alongside the program. “Life came fast, then slow, then gradually, then suddenly. I shared through it all—the highs and lows,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences with others.
The final episode of “Around the Horn” served not only as a farewell but also as a celebration of the show's rich history and its impact on sports journalism. As fans bid adieu to this beloved program, they are left with cherished memories and the hope of what may come next in the world of sports broadcasting.
