ESPN will air the final episode of Around The Horn on Friday, marking the show’s finale after 4,953 episodes. This is a longer run than Oprah and David Letterman. Host Tony Reali has been making the media rounds this week, including with our own Derek Futterman of Barrett Media, discussing the legacy of the program and what could be on the horizon for him.
As the final episode approaches, Reali shared how he’s preparing for the farewell during an appearance on Pablo Torre Finds Out.
“I’ve thought about it. I’ve written scripts starting five months ago. There’s a possible I’m going to bring a call back to one of my favorite things I’ve ever done on television,” Reali said. “It’s a surreal feeling. How do you say goodbye to a show? I’ve watched how shows have said goodbye.”
Additionally, Reali discussed how he’s watched final episodes of legendary television shows such as Frasier and Cheers to get clues on exactly how those programs treated their finales. He hopes to mold elements of those into the final episode of Around The Horn.
“I think there’s beauty in finale,” noted Reali. “I’m almost too actively thinking about it, but I’ve been a little bit strapped. I’ve said this before, dad’s got to find a job. I’m taking all the opportunities now to imagine what the future is. I want to go out on my terms on ‘Horn’ but I’m ‘Red Panda’ right now. I’m spinning plates—multiple plates—at one time. People in my life are also worried about that, or are you burning it too much right now.”
Moreover, Reali noted in an interview with The Dan Patrick Show Monday that his contract with ESPN is up in August, and he is open to talking with anyone about anything for his future. While Reali said he is “spinning plates” all at the same time, he admitted he has no idea what he’ll be like this Friday as the show goes off the air for the final time.
“I know I put myself out there in ways and I’ve shown the ability to be vulnerable on camera,” explained Reali. “I’m going to be surprised about how I am on TV that day. I think I am, because I have no idea. I don’t think I’m going to be a mess, but my kids are going to be there and I’m going to try to have the best moment possible. How do you say goodbye to something that is your heart outside of your body? I’m about to be showing people that in real time.”
Ultimately, the final episode of Around The Horn airs Friday at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
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