Fans of the iconic ESPN show “Pardon the Interruption” (PTI) have reason to celebrate, as the beloved program isn’t going anywhere—at least for now.
Hosted by sports media legends Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, “Pardon the Interruption” has been a staple of ESPN’s afternoon lineup since it first aired in 2001. This week, Puck’s John Ourand reported that the show will continue its run, despite the many changes currently taking place at the network.
“It’s easy to hear this news and speculate about the future of ‘PTI,’ especially now that Mike and Tony are rarely in the same studio and both pushing deeper into the golfing phases of their careers,” Ourand wrote in his Varsity newsletter. “But my Bristol sources insist ‘PTI’ will continue to anchor ESPN’s afternoon block for the foreseeable future.”
The news of PTI’s continued run comes shortly after it was first reported that ESPN will be canceling another iconic program, “Around the Horn,” in the summer of 2025. “Around the Horn,” which has been on the air for over two decades, has long been paired with PTI during ESPN’s “Happy Hour” from 5-6 p.m. ET on weekdays.
The cancellation of “Around the Horn” has led to speculation about PTI’s future, but for now, it appears that the show will remain a fixture on ESPN’s schedule.
Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, the hosts of PTI, have built a loyal following over the years with their unique blend of humor, analysis, and friendly banter.
The chemistry between the two hosts, both of whom are respected sports journalists, has kept viewers tuning in for more than two decades. Despite their busy schedules and the challenges of filming remotely, Wilbon and Kornheiser have continued to deliver entertaining and insightful commentary on the biggest stories in sports.
The decision to keep PTI on the air is especially notable given the broader changes taking place at ESPN. In recent years, the company has had to adjust to the realities of new media, resulting in numerous layoffs of on-air talent and a reevaluation of its programming lineup. PTI’s ability to weather these changes is a testament to its enduring popularity and the value it brings to ESPN’s afternoon programming block.
As for what will replace “Around the Horn” on weekday afternoons, that remains unclear. ESPN and Erik Rydholm, the creator and executive producer of PTI, who has also overseen “Around the Horn” since 2004, are expected to discuss new concepts for the time slot.
Rydholm has been instrumental in shaping ESPN’s afternoon programming, and his involvement in the development of a new show could lead to an exciting addition to the network’s lineup.
RELATED: ‘Around The Horn’ Panelist Who Claimed He Was ‘Embarrassed’ To Be On Show Tragically Passes Away
The pairing of “Around the Horn” and PTI has been a key part of ESPN’s weekday programming for years, providing viewers with a mix of debate, analysis, and lighthearted discussion. While the end of “Around the Horn” marks the conclusion of an era, PTI’s continued presence ensures that fans will still be able to enjoy the dynamic discussions that have made the show so popular.
“Pardon the Interruption” will continue to anchor ESPN’s afternoon block during a time of significant change at the network. With Wilbon and Kornheiser at the helm, PTI remains a constant in the ever-evolving landscape of sports media, offering viewers a familiar and entertaining take on the latest sports news.
For now, PTI fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their favorite show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
