ESPN extends 'Pardon The Interruption' run

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th September, 12:57 2025

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Pardon The Interruption" will remain on ESPN past its 25-year anniversary, with hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon signing multiyear contract extensions, the network said Tuesday.

Kornheiser and Wilbon were columnists at The Washington Post when the show first aired Oct. 22, 2001, and have been the full-time hosts since, filling other roles at the network through the years, too.

"PTI" is ESPN's most-watched daily studio program, according to the network.

It has won three Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Daily Studio Show (2009, 2016 and 2019).

"Tony and Mike have made PTI into a singular success story and every bit as relevant today as it has ever been," said Burke Magnus, ESPN's president of content, in a news release. "Their information and opinions are as smart and strong as ever, and they remain daily appointment viewing for sports fans."

The hosts will continue to contribute a daily segment for the 6 p.m. ET "SportsCenter," which follows their 30-minute show. Wilbon remains a key participant in the network's NBA coverage.

Its lead-in show, "Around the Horn," debuted in November 2002 and signed off earlier this year.

--Field Level Media