Pardon the Interruption hits 25 years on ESPN next week. The network will mark the milestone with a special double-episode event on October 22.
What We Know: The PTI – 25th Anniversary Special airs October 22 at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the regular 5:30 p.m. edition. Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon have co-hosted the show since its October 22, 2001 debut. In fact, its format grew out of their newsroom sparring as Washington Post columnists. Today, PTI remains ESPN’s most-watched daily studio show, averaging 718,000 viewers in 2026.
What They Said: Burke Magnus, President, Content, ESPN: “Tony and Mike have been doing PTI for 25 years, and the reason it still works is pretty simple — fans trust them. You turn on PTI and you know exactly what you’re getting: two people who genuinely love sports, who’ve covered it at the highest level and aren’t afraid to tell you exactly what they think. Congratulations to Tony, Mike and the entire production team led by Erik Rydholm and Matt Kelliher.”
What Remains Unclear: However, ESPN has not detailed what the anniversary special will include. Similarly, the network has not said which guests or segments might appear. Both hosts signed new multi-year ESPN deals in 2025, though the release does not specify their length. As a result, the duo’s long-term future remains an open question.
What It Means: Ultimately, after more than 5,500 episodes, PTI’s influence stretches well beyond its 5:30 p.m. slot. The brand now includes a Disney+ cut-down, an ESPN Audio podcast and a SportsCenter segment. Additionally, spin-offs launched in the UK, Australia and on ESPN Deportes as Cronómetro. Meanwhile, its 2026 audience marks the show’s best January–September stretch since 2018.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
