ESPN Cancels 'Around The Horn' After 23-Year Run: A Shocking End to a Sports Icon

The world of sports broadcasting has just experienced a significant loss with the cancellation of ESPN's popular program, 'Around The Horn'. This show, which debuted in 1997, was a staple of sports discussion and debate, providing viewers with a unique blend of analysis, opinion, and humor. With a 23-year run, 'Around The Horn' had become an institution, but unfortunately, it seems its time has come to an end. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of 'Around The Horn', its impact on the sports broadcasting landscape, and the reasons behind its cancellation.

ESPN's decision to cancel 'Around The Horn' may come as a shock to many fans, but the company has been slowly phasing out the program over the past year. In an effort to revamp its lineup and cater to changing viewer habits, ESPN has been shifting its focus towards digital content and more specialized shows. While this shift may have contributed to the cancellation, it's also worth noting that the show's ratings had been declining steadily over the past few years.

The Origins of 'Around The Horn'

'Around The Horn' premiered on February 3, 1997, and was created by ESPN's Dan LeBatard, who would go on to become a household name in the world of sports broadcasting. The show's format, which featured a panel of experts discussing the day's top sports stories, was designed to be fast-paced and engaging, with a healthy dose of humor and banter. The show's early years were marked by a reputation for incendiary debate and controversy, with LeBatard and his co-hosts frequently clashing on-air.

The Golden Era of 'Around The Horn'

The late 1990s and early 2000s are often referred to as the "Golden Era" of 'Around The Horn'. During this time, the show was at the height of its popularity, with ratings soaring and the show's reputation for witty banter and intelligent analysis solidifying. The show's cast, which included LeBatard, Tony Reali, and Tim Cowlishaw, became a household name, with fans tuning in each day to see what sparked the next heated debate.

Impact on the Sports Broadcasting Landscape

'Around The Horn' played a significant role in shaping the world of sports broadcasting. The show's innovative format, which combined analysis, opinion, and humor, raised the bar for sports programming and influenced a generation of sports journalists and broadcasters. The show's impact can also be seen in the many imitators that followed, including 'Pardon the Interruption' and 'First Take'.

Declining Ratings and the Road to Cancellation

Despite its enduring popularity, 'Around The Horn' began to experience declining ratings in the mid-2010s. The show's move to a morning time slot, in an effort to appeal to a broader audience, proved to be a misstep, as viewership began to plummet. The show's cast, which had become stale and stagnant, failed to adapt to changing viewer habits and the rise of digital content. As a result, ESPN made the difficult decision to cancel the show.

The Future of ESPN and 'Around The Horn'

The cancellation of 'Around The Horn' marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting. The show's legacy will live on, however, with its impact still felt in the world of sports journalism and broadcasting. As ESPN continues to shift its focus towards digital content and more specialized shows, it's clear that the company is committed to innovation and adaptation.

The Legacy of 'Around The Horn'

'Around The Horn' may be gone, but its legacy will never be forgotten. The show's influence can be seen in the many sports programs that followed, and its impact on the world of sports broadcasting will be felt for years to come.

Notable Moments from 'Around The Horn'

• "Who's on First?" - A 1999 episode that featured a hilarious segment on baseball's "Who's on First?" player, Dustin Hermanson.
• The "Kobe vs. Shaq" debate - A 2000 episode that saw LeBatard and Reali go head-to-head on the legendary NBA rivalry.
• The "CGA Song" - A 2003 episode that featured a memorable segment on the Cincinnati Bengals, complete with a catchy tune and silly lyrics.

The Cast's Reactions to the Cancellation

The cast of 'Around The Horn' has spoken out about the cancellation, with many expressing sadness and disappointment. In a statement, LeBatard said, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this show for so long, but I'm also excited for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

The End of an Era

The cancellation of 'Around The Horn' marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting. As we look to the future, it's clear that the world of sports journalism will continue to evolve, but the legacy of 'Around The Horn' will never be forgotten.