The Long Goodbye: Tony Reali and the End of “Around The Horn” – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Pablo Torre Finds Out
Episode Title: The Long Goodbye: Tony Reali and the End of “Around The Horn”
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Hosts: Pablo Torre, Tony Reali

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, host Pablo Torre sits down with longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali to delve into the emotional and professional journey surrounding the end of Reali's iconic show, “Around The Horn”. This episode serves as both a farewell and an exploration of the show's enduring legacy in sports journalism.

Background on “Around The Horn”

“Around The Horn” debuted in November 2002 and quickly became a staple of ESPN's programming, known for its fast-paced, competitive banter among panelists who debate various sports topics. Tony Reali took over as host in 2004, succeeding Max Kellerman, and remained at the helm until the show's conclusion on May 23, 2025, marking over two decades on air.

Tony Reali's Announcement and Reactions

The episode begins with Tony Reali revealing the imminent cancellation of “Around The Horn”. Reali reflects on the difficulty of saying goodbye to a show that has been a central part of his life for over 23 years.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [01:23]: "Life will not give everybody the chance to take a goodbye. That's a very sad part of people's lives."

Reali discusses the surprise announcement by ESPN in March that the show would end, despite its consistent ratings and dedicated fan base.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [06:17]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years, and exact one of them has asked its host to personally score the arguments that his panelists have on screen."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Pablo Torre provides a comprehensive background on "Around The Horn," highlighting its longevity and impact on sports broadcasting. He underscores the show's unique format, where Reali assigns scores to panelists' debates, creating a competitive and engaging atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [05:23]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years, and exactly one of them actually has asked its host to personally score the arguments that his panelists have on screen."

Reali opens up about learning of the show's cancellation only moments before going on air, emphasizing the suddenness and personal impact of the news.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [09:05]: "The day I got the meeting... I was not... Maybe I pitched in a way that I was asking for permission. I wasn't asking for permission. I was going to leave no matter what."

Emotional Reflections

The conversation delves deeply into the emotional turmoil experienced by Reali upon learning the show would end. He expresses feelings of loss and the challenge of transitioning away from a role that has defined much of his professional life.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [14:43]: "I always wanted to be a sportscaster. But you're going, I'm going for it."

Reali shares nostalgic memories, including his first episode as host and iconic moments that shaped the show's identity.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [17:21]: "I have not watched my first episode. I don't think I even allowed myself to stay in the room when it was taken in for the 10th anniversary."

Community and Fan Reactions

Pablo highlights the show's dedicated fan base, including superfans like Rick Vendel II, also known as Trekkie Elo, who have meticulously updated the show's Wikipedia page over the years. This dedication underscores the profound community “Around The Horn” cultivated.

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [37:05]: "A Meadowlark Media production... and I'll talk to you next time."

Reali acknowledges the unwavering support from fans and colleagues, emphasizing the familial bonds formed through the show.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [33:04]: "That was the job all along. Honestly, I've worked for ESPN for 25 years and I feel in my bones... Meet people absolutely where they are and when you find me there, I'm going to be exactly who I was on TV."

Final Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode approaches its closing, Reali shares his thoughts on the legacy of “Around The Horn”, expressing gratitude for the show's influence on his life and career. He contemplates the future, hinting at potential projects that honor the show's spirit of community and competitive dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [40:18]: "I took something seriously, but not myself."

Pablo Torre concludes by emphasizing the irreplaceable impact of “Around The Horn” in the landscape of sports television, celebrating its legacy and the community it fostered.

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [44:54]: "We need to acknowledge that as much as you can measure it online in ratings, it's the Human aspect... These are the people who help comprise this enormous and unusually devoted community."

Conclusion

This heartfelt episode captures the essence of saying goodbye to a long-standing television show, reflecting on its significance and the personal journeys intertwined with its run. Through candid conversations and shared memories, Pablo Torre and Tony Reali honor the legacy of “Around The Horn”, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its impact on sports journalism and its devoted community.

Key Themes:

Emotional Impact of Farewell: Both hosts discuss the personal and professional challenges of ending a beloved show.
Legacy and Community: Emphasis on the show's lasting influence and the strong community it built over two decades.
Behind-the-Scenes Realities: Insight into the decision-making process and the unforeseen circumstances leading to the show's cancellation.
Nostalgia and Memories: Recollections of memorable moments and the evolution of the show under Reali's hosting.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Reali [01:23]: "Life will not give everybody the chance to take a goodbye."
Pablo Torre [05:23]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years..."
Tony Reali [14:43]: "I always wanted to be a sportscaster."
Tony Reali [33:04]: "Meet people absolutely where they are..."
Pablo Torre [44:54]: "These are the people who help comprise this enormous and unusually devoted community."

This episode serves as a fitting tribute to Tony Reali and the enduring spirit of “Around The Horn”, capturing the essence of a significant moment in sports broadcasting history.

The Long Goodbye: Tony Reali and the End of “Around The Horn” – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Pablo Torre Finds Out
Episode Title: The Long Goodbye: Tony Reali and the End of “Around The Horn”
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Hosts: Pablo Torre, Tony Reali

Introduction

Background on “Around The Horn”

Tony Reali's Announcement and Reactions

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [01:23]: "Life will not give everybody the chance to take a goodbye. That's a very sad part of people's lives."

Reali discusses the surprise announcement by ESPN in March that the show would end, despite its consistent ratings and dedicated fan base.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [06:17]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years, and exact one of them has asked its host to personally score the arguments that his panelists have on screen."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [05:23]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years, and exactly one of them actually has asked its host to personally score the arguments that his panelists have on screen."

Reali opens up about learning of the show's cancellation only moments before going on air, emphasizing the suddenness and personal impact of the news.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [09:05]: "The day I got the meeting... I was not... Maybe I pitched in a way that I was asking for permission. I wasn't asking for permission. I was going to leave no matter what."

Emotional Reflections

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [14:43]: "I always wanted to be a sportscaster. But you're going, I'm going for it."

Reali shares nostalgic memories, including his first episode as host and iconic moments that shaped the show's identity.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [17:21]: "I have not watched my first episode. I don't think I even allowed myself to stay in the room when it was taken in for the 10th anniversary."

Community and Fan Reactions

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [37:05]: "A Meadowlark Media production... and I'll talk to you next time."

Reali acknowledges the unwavering support from fans and colleagues, emphasizing the familial bonds formed through the show.

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [33:04]: "That was the job all along. Honestly, I've worked for ESPN for 25 years and I feel in my bones... Meet people absolutely where they are and when you find me there, I'm going to be exactly who I was on TV."

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Notable Quote:

Tony Reali [40:18]: "I took something seriously, but not myself."

Pablo Torre concludes by emphasizing the irreplaceable impact of “Around The Horn” in the landscape of sports television, celebrating its legacy and the community it fostered.

Notable Quote:

Pablo Torre [44:54]: "We need to acknowledge that as much as you can measure it online in ratings, it's the Human aspect... These are the people who help comprise this enormous and unusually devoted community."

Conclusion

Key Themes:

Emotional Impact of Farewell: Both hosts discuss the personal and professional challenges of ending a beloved show.
Legacy and Community: Emphasis on the show's lasting influence and the strong community it built over two decades.
Behind-the-Scenes Realities: Insight into the decision-making process and the unforeseen circumstances leading to the show's cancellation.
Nostalgia and Memories: Recollections of memorable moments and the evolution of the show under Reali's hosting.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Reali [01:23]: "Life will not give everybody the chance to take a goodbye."
Pablo Torre [05:23]: "Very few television shows last for 23 years..."
Tony Reali [14:43]: "I always wanted to be a sportscaster."
Tony Reali [33:04]: "Meet people absolutely where they are..."
Pablo Torre [44:54]: "These are the people who help comprise this enormous and unusually devoted community."

This episode serves as a fitting tribute to Tony Reali and the enduring spirit of “Around The Horn”, capturing the essence of a significant moment in sports broadcasting history.