The series finale of Around the Horn on ESPN averaged 482,000 viewers last Friday, according to data reported by Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal. Featuring host Tony Reali, the episode included a variety of panelists who appeared on the program throughout its 23-year history, including Bill Plaschke, J.A. Adande, Bob Ryan and all-time wins leader Woody Paige.
After a brief debate about who was the greatest athlete of all time the show covered, the panel delivered their final Face Time segments. Later in the program, Reali explained how the scoring system worked and delivered his farewell by placing the infamous ‘Mute’ button on the floor illuminated by a spotlight.
Karp reported that Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornhesier and Michael Wilbon outdrew the finale of Around the Horn, eliciting an average of 649,000 viewers on the day. Ben Strauss of The Washington Post reported that the network approached Kornhesier and Wilbon about expanding Pardon the Interruption to an hour, but no deal was ultimately reached.
The hosts also previously asked Reali to return to the show upon learning of the cancellation of Around the Horn, he divulged in an interview with Barrett Media. Reali appeared on Pardon the Interruption for 13 years, becoming synonymous with the “Stat Boy” character
Reali opened the program with a segment resembling a scene from the movie “Goodfellas” where he expressed his gratitude for producers and directors on the program, some of whom include Aaron Solomon, Miriam Lejay and Caroline Willett. The introduction included an appearance from New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant, Reali’s wife and children and Meadowlark Media personalities Dan Le Batard and Pablo Torre.
The program also included an audience watching the final taping of the program live in the studio from the ESPN Seaport District Studios.
ESPN garnered its most-watched quarter in eight years from the period between December 30, 2024 and March 30, 2025. The average minute audience across the network was 868,000 viewers, according to data from Nielsen Media Research, which is up 22% compared to the previous year. ESPN recently revealed the name and pricing of its direct-to-consumer platform that will grant users access to purchase the linear networks without a traditional cable television subscription. At the moment, it remains unknown what show will fill the 5 p.m. EST timeslot, which is currently occupied by a half-hour edition of SportsCenter featuring Matt Barrie and Christine Williamson.
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