Michael Wilbon says Pardon the Interruption outdraws other ESPN studio shows by rejecting the network’s suggested formula for studio shows. The co-host made his case during a recent appearance with Dan Le Batard.
What We Know: Wilbon spent roughly three decades at The Washington Post before joining ESPN full-time in 2010. Additionally, he has co-hosted Pardon the Interruption alongside former Post colleague Tony Kornheiser since the show’s debut in 2001. Now, the program celebrates its 25th anniversary Thursday. During the interview with Le Batard, Wilbon argued PTI earns better ratings than ESPN shows built on hot takes and forced content regarding certain NFL teams.
What They Said: (all quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show):
Michael Wilbon says PTI gets higher ratings by not following ESPN’s content model for other shows: “I’m gonna be snippy now. Then if that’s [hot takes draw audience] the case, how come their fu****g shows don’t get the ratings we get? If all that bull**** automatically brought you more ratings, then how come the younger, fluffier-haired people can’t get more ratings than the two old ball cats who are 20 years older than them? Seriously. If talking about the [Dallas] Cowboys every god**** day is supposed to deliver you the ratings, why are our ratings higher?”
Michael Wilbon says he’s never given a hot take: “Don’t ever say I gave a hot take. There’s no hot takes. We don’t give hot takes. I have an opinion, and I will give that opinion. And it will be as informed as I can make it. You say hot takes, I’ll knock your ass out. Hot takes are empty. They’re bull***t.”
Michael Wilbon believes Stephen A. Smith’s approach to First Take is different than his on Pardon the Interruption: “Rising tide lifts all boats. I’m hugging Stephen A [Smith] when I see him, but don’t tell me it’s the same. He says to me, “How come you can get away with criticism of the same athlete in the same way, and I can’t?” Cause there’s a difference between criticism and ridicule. I know you know it. Don’t pin that s**t on me. You know the difference between criticism and ridicule. If you don’t, and I know he does, I do. There’s a different way that you carry it or you bring it. He knows the difference because he did it for 20 years first.”
Michael Wilbon doesn’t consider himself or Tony Kornheiser journalists any longer: “We’re [Tony Kornheiser, Micahel Wilbon] not journalists. We violate everything we learned. I’m a trustee at what many of us considered I said they do the greatest journalism school in America and the world in Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern. I’m a trustee there. I violate everything I learned there. I am not a journalist. It’s okay, it’s all right.”
What Remains Unclear: Without question, Pardon the Interruption is on a heater lately with viewership on ESPN. Pardon the Intrruption averaged 794,000 viewers in September, its best September since 2015. Additionally, questions remain about how long the duo plans to continue as PTI turns 25.
What It Means: Ultimately, Wilbon frames PTI as counterprogramming from inside ESPN itself. Rather than chasing manufactured debate, the show relies on informed opinion from two veteran voices. Still, his remarks land as a pointed jab at the network’s louder studio lineup. As a result, PTI’s longevity serves as his strongest argument that substance still sells.
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