Farewell to a Beloved Show

It’s hard to come to terms with the reality that it’s actually ending. After 23 years and nearly 5,000 episodes, Around the Horn is no longer going to air, signing off in the last Friday evening slot following its cancellation by ESPN.

The “final face time” during Wednesday’s episode encapsulated what the show meant—not just to the panelists, but to all of us who watched.

Around the Horn was never just a place where people shouted or spoke their minds. It was more than a show to unwind with after a tough day or a program you glanced at during a gym session. It was revolutionary, shifting dynamics by connecting fans to sports writers from all over the country. It illuminated statistical entertainment and introduced us to the analytical side of sports, engaging viewers in ways we often didn’t realize were possible. It made us imagine what it must be like behind the scenes when discussing the sport’s biggest issues.

For me, it also sparked a career. That week’s clip emphasized a heartfelt message from Harry Riles, who had the opportunity to bring colleagues and friends on to the show before his journey to ESPN. Everyone always knew Harry was going to make it big; his love for sports was matched by his charm. He needed the right platform, and Around the Horn was it. Many writers found their footing there.

But the significance of Around the Horn goes beyond my personal journey. It broke new ground. From the start, Jackie McMullan shone brightly, representing a voice from Boston at a time when women were sorely underrepresented in sports broadcasting. McMullan skillfully navigated debates, using her expertise to challenge norms while inspiring a generation of women in the field.

The roster of Around the Horn alumni is something unparalleled. From early icons like Woody Page, Tim Kawakami, and Bill Plaschke to newer talents like Pablo S. Torre, Michael Smith, Sarah Spain, and Mina Kimes—these remarkable writers and analysts might have remained unnoticed without this show.

Then you have Tony Reali, one of the hardest workers in the industry. He had an unparalleled knack for keeping the show engaging and on track. His ability to manage the flow was like an art form, and he was the maestro behind it all.

We genuinely didn’t appreciate the wealth of knowledge Around the Horn brought us. It was one of the few places where sports writers engaged deeply with the nuances of the game, providing valuable insights that made us all more informed. That’s part of the reason its absence feels so pronounced—not just in 2025, but even now.

It’s tough not to see the cancellation of Around the Horn as a troubling sign of things to come. It reflects a growing trend where well-researched commentary is overshadowed by sensationalism. Resources that once focused on intelligent debate are now often diverted to louder, more theatrical voices in the industry. Instead of seasoned analysts, networks seem to prefer former athletes who lack media experience but are cheaper to book.

I think back to how Around the Horn inspired a 23-year-old sports enthusiast stuck in a cubicle, not just as an escape after work, but also encouraging me to engage with fellow fans online, eventually leading me to comment on SB Nation blogs about the sports I loved.

This show really meant a lot to so many of us, and it’s hard to believe it’s gone. So, a heartfelt thanks goes out to every guest, every panelist, the producers, and everyone behind the scenes. You created something special, and it’s truly sad to see it end like this.