About this Episode
'Around the Horn,' ESPN’s groundbreaking sports talk game show hosted by Tony Reali for over two decades, aired its final episode after 23 years on air. In this episode of Long Reads, Short Listens, we explore how Reali transformed 'Around the Horn' from its rowdy origins into an influential platform blending humor, heartfelt moments, diversity of voices, and journalistic integrity. We discuss key moments from its history—including Reali’s takeover in 2004—the show's impact on careers and sports media culture at large, as well as reflections on why ESPN ended it despite steady ratings. Drawing exclusively from Jake Kring-Schreifels’ detailed Ringer article covering Reali’s farewell episode preparations and legacy insights.
Article Discussed: "On Set for the Last Day of ‘Around the Horn’ - The Ringer"
Author:
https://www.theringer.com/2025/05/28/tv/around-the-horn-canceled-final-show-espn
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Episode Transcript
Jan: Welcome to Long Reads, Short Listens! Today we're diving into the final chapter of a true ESPN institution: Tony Reali's Around the Horn. After 23 years and nearly 5,000 episodes, the show is signing off, and we've got a lot to unpack about its legacy and what this means for sports media.
Emery: Absolutely, Jan. Around the Horn wasn't just another sports talk show—it was a game show with a scoring system that brought together beat writers from across the country to debate daily sports headlines. And Tony Reali, who took over hosting in 2004, became synonymous with its unique energy and approach.
Jan: Right. The show's cancellation was announced back in March, but it officially aired its last episode on May 23. Despite consistent ratings and no clear explanation from ESPN about why they ended it, Tony spent weeks preparing a farewell that celebrated everything Around the Horn stood for.
Emery: And that farewell was very much a Tony Reali episode—complete with a Goodfellas-inspired opening sequence, appearances by longtime panelists like Woody Paige and Bob Ryan debating GOATs like LeBron and Tiger Woods, plus heartfelt reflections on the show's impact. It really showcased how much this meant to everyone involved.
Jan: It's fascinating how Tony transformed the show after taking over from Max Kellerman in 2004. Initially seen as a temporary host, he quickly made it his own by softening the tone and emphasizing camaraderie among journalists while maintaining that competitive edge with his trademark scoring system.
Emery: Yes, Jackie MacMullan called him the one thread holding it all together—a family maker who deftly managed massive egos to make everyone feel important. That balance of humor, intelligence, and empathy defined the show's vibe for over two decades.
Jan: The origins are interesting too. Around the Horn debuted in 2002 as an experimental game show featuring four rotating columnists debating sports topics in quick sound bites. It had a political roundtable feel but was louder and more theatrical under Kellerman's tenure before Tony took it in a new direction.
Emery: And despite early criticism for being abrasive or dominated by 'crotchety white guys,' Tony worked to diversify both voices and perspectives on the panel—bringing in journalists like Sarah Spain and Mina Kimes—and shifted away from regional biases toward broader viewpoints.
Jan: "We never wanted just four white guys," Tony said. That commitment to variety helped keep the show relevant as sports media evolved amid social media's rise and changing audience expectations.
Emery: "Around the Horn" also balanced fun with serious moments—like when Tony openly discussed personal loss or mental health on air—which resonated deeply with viewers and panelists alike. It wasn't just hot takes; there was heart behind it.
Jan: "Your emotions are your superpower," Tony said about being authentic on air. That vulnerability set him apart in an industry often focused on hype or sensationalism.
Emery: "Around the Horn" served as a launching pad for many careers—Pablo Torre moved on to High Noon; Mina Kimes advanced within ESPN; others gained visibility that helped them grow professionally. It cultivated journalistic talent at a time when traditional media faces challenges.
Jan: "We started a genre of television debate," producer Aaron Solomon said. The show's format influenced later ESPN staples like First Take but maintained more thoughtful discourse rather than just hot-take culture.
Emery: "What do we lose when we lose 'Around the Horn'?" is an important question raised by many involved. The show highlighted original reporting from beat writers who had real access to teams—a contrast to player-driven podcasts or personalities without journalistic backgrounds dominating sports talk today.
Jan: "You're reminded there are people who show up at practice every day," Sarah Spain said. That authenticity gave weight to their opinions compared to commentators without those connections or firsthand experience.
Emery: "Tony valued accuracy," his producer Caroline Willett noted. He insisted on citations and corrections during commercial breaks—a standard he upheld even though he himself isn't a journalist but works closely with them daily.
Jan: Despite consistent ratings not being an issue, ESPN chose not to renew 'Around the Horn.' Speculation includes shifts toward streaming content or investing more in former athletes' shows—but no official reason was given.
Emery: Tony himself acknowledged that everything has an end—even something as enduring as 'Around the Horn.' Yet he expressed hope that networks continue embracing diverse voices expressing genuine passion for sports.
Jan: Looking ahead, Tony is exploring new opportunities: NFL Network talks, podcasting ideas inspired by figures like Colin Cowherd, even humorous ventures like spaghetti reviews reflecting his Italian heritage.
Emery: He’s also planning an aftershow livestream on YouTube to stay connected with fans—a space where community conversations around sports can continue beyond traditional TV formats.
Jan: So wrapping up: 'Around the Horn' leaves behind a legacy of elevating journalistic voices through spirited yet respectful debate; pioneering gamified sports talk; fostering diversity; blending humor with heart; and influencing how sports media evolved over two decades.
Emery: It’s been quite a journey—from its noisy beginnings through thoughtful evolution under Tony Reali’s stewardship—to this final salute filled with gratitude and reflection amidst uncertainty about what comes next.
Jan: Thanks for joining us today on Long Reads, Short Listens as we honored this iconic show’s farewell. We’ll be watching closely where Tony goes next—and how sports media continues transforming around us.
Emery: Until next time! Keep reading deeply and listening closely right here on Long Reads, Short Listens.
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