ESPN is canceling afternoon sports debate show “Around the Horn” after a 23-year run.
The show, which has broadcast more than 4,900 episodes, will air for the last time on May 23.
“ATH” premiered in November 2002 with host Max Kellerman. Current host Tony Reali took over the reins in 2004 when Kellerman decamped for Fox Sports.
“‘Around the Horn’ has had a remarkable run of more than two decades. That kind of longevity in media is incredibly rare, and we look forward to celebrating the show’s many accomplishments before the final sign-off in May,” said David Roberts, ESPN executive VP and executive editor of sports news and entertainment.
The show, which airs ahead of “Pardon the Interruption” and the evening edition of “SportsCenter,” features Reali moderating a debate between four rotating sportswriters from across the country — making panelists like JA Adande, Jemele Hill, Bomani Jones, Mina Kimes, Jackie MacMullan, Pablo Torre, Woody Paige, and many others into household names. Many contributors to the show have gone on to careers at The World Wide Leader in Sports.
The network said a half-hour version of “SportsCenter” will run in the “ATH” time slot this summer, but did not revealed any other future plans.
In recent years, ESPN has announced a number of changes — including a future separation from Major League Baseball — and layoffs of on-air and behind-the-scenes talent, including Zach Lowe, Jeff Van Gundy and Suzy Kolber, as well as several executives.
