Everyone Loved What Tony Reali Said About 'Around The Horn' Ending

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 6:39 PM ET

One of ESPN's longest running shows is set to end later this year, as "Around the Horn" will air its final episode in May.

The show began in 2002, and it introduced fans to several of the top names in sports media at the time. Over the years, the lineup has changed nearly every day, but the show remains a platform for writers and sports journalists to speak on some of the biggest topics in the world.

Fans enjoyed the show for the candid conversations it would produce, especially when panelists were able to address certain topics after winning the day's episode.

ESPN’s @AroundtheHorn will host its final episode on Friday, May 23

The weekday sports debate and discussion show has aired more than 4,900 episodes over 23 years since its debut on Nov. 4, 2002

More: https://t.co/9ynIlCz35K pic.twitter.com/kAtZ3h4yqZ
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 4, 2025

At the end of Wednesday's episode of the show, longtime host Tony Reali reflected on "Around the Horn" and the show's legacy.

"There are going to be tough days in your life. Meeting those head-on is a good strategy," Reali said after noting the support that he's received since the news was revealed.

"Our great show will be signing off this air in a few months. May 23rd is our final episode of Around the Horn. I've got three months.

I intend to respond to you all, but I'll say this in the meantime: You want to be happy for an hour? Have my mom's pasta. You want to be happy for a day? Watch "Goodfellas." You want to be happy for a week? Hang out with me....

You want to be happy in life? Find a place where people miss you...we feel your love."

Love & mutes, friends! ❤️ https://t.co/dbfD85muJM pic.twitter.com/PttN2dwGyi
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) March 5, 2025

Fans responded to the show's ending and Reali's words on what was to come over the next few months.

"I’m devastated Around the Horn was my happy place every night. ESPN just keeps losing great people and great shows. In protest, I will no longer watch ESPN at 5PM time. Love you," one fan said.

"So much space will free up on my DVR," another fan said.

It’s very unfortunate that they have decided to take Tony Reali and Around the Horn off air. This show along with PTI have been staples of my afternoon for 2 decades. I know Tony will do amazing things, with whatever he so chooses after this, but I will miss the show tremendously," said one fan.

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 31: Sports journalists Tony Reali and Tim Cowlishaw attend ESPN The Party at Basketball City - Pier 36 - South Street on January 31, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images For ESPN)Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

"You know ATH was a great show because it allowed sports analysts who the general public may not have heard of, to get a voice on national television. I still don’t know how the scoring system works lol. Damn shame, RIP," said another fan.

Another fan noted that the show was "Part of my after school childhood."

As ESPN continues to revamp its strategy in a new era of sports and sports fans, it appears that shows like "Around the Horn" are relics of a bygone era. As fans consume their favorite sports and leagues in a new way, we'll see if any other long-standing sports shows see the chopping block this year.

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

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