ESPN makes decision on future of ‘Pardon the Interruption’

Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser will be continuing to shoot the breeze for several more years to come.

ESPN has agreed to three-year contract extensions with both Wilbon and Kornheiser, John Ourand of Puck reported on Monday. As a result, Wilbon and Kornheiser will continue to host the network’s popular program “Pardon the Interruption” through at least 2028, Ourand adds.

“Pardon the Interruption” (often referred to as “PTI” for short) is one of ESPN’s longest-running and most well-known television shows, having originally debuted in 2001. But there was some recent fan speculation about the future of the program, especially after ESPN’s decision over the summer to cancel “Around the Horn” (the long-time “Happy Hour” block partner of “PTI” on the network, airing right before the 5:30 PM EST slot of “PTI”).

But now Wilbon, 66, and Kornheiser, 77, are set to continue at “PTI” for at least the next three years. Ourand further indicates that ESPN never seriously considered cancelling “PTI,” noting that there was even some thought given to the idea of expanding the show from 30 minutes to an hour after the cancellation of “Around the Horn.”

You can read Ourand’s full report on the situation here.

ESPN still has yet to decide on what will permanently replace “Around the Horn” in the 5 PM EST timeslot ahead of “PTI” (currently choosing instead to air “SportsCenter” as a lead-in). But at least for fans of “PTI” (and the show’s many viral moments over the years), they are at least getting some very good news this week.