If you grew up watching ESPN, chances are Pardon the Interruption was part of your daily routine.
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon have been trading sharp takes and laughs across the iconic rundown board since 2001. The chemistry, rhythm, and familiarity have all been part of what’s made PTI more than just another sports show. But now, some viewers are feeling a sense of deja vu after ESPN pulled the plug on Around the Horn.
Could PTI be next? The thought alone has stirred up real emotion.
Former ESPN personality Bill Simmons added fuel to the speculation recently, saying flat out that PTI should end when Kornheiser and Wilbon call it quits. “The show should die when they don’t wanna do it anymore,” Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast, as reported by Awful Announcing. “Nobody should take the show over. Come up with another idea.”
That take didn’t sit well with many longtime fans, and they made sure to say so.
Viewers Want The PTI Brand To Live On
Plenty of fans fired back online, insisting that PTI can still work with new voices at the helm- if ESPN chooses the right duo. “Disagree. Great show. Great brand,” wrote Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. “If you find the right duo, it would continue to be great.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Bill Simmons: ‘Pardon the Interruption’ shouldn’t continue after Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon https://t.co/WHJdAntmkw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 4, 2025
Some even argued that the format itself is bigger than the personalities. “The way in which the show’s format is set up, both men are easily replaceable,” one user posted on social media. “Now both female and male talent can bring longtime viewers a great product while hopefully introducing a much younger demographic to this iconic show.”
The way in which the show's format is set up, both men are easily replaceable. Now both female & male talent can bring longtime viewers a great product while hopefully introducing a much younger demographic to this iconic show.
— Jeff Ostach☮️ (@jeff_ostach) June 4, 2025
Of course, no one’s calling for Kornheiser and Wilbon to leave anytime soon. Fans still value their presence. But when that moment eventually comes, many believe it doesn’t have to mean the end of the road. “Just need two good hosts and it will work,” another fan said.
Just need two good hosts and it will work.
— Dan McKenzie 🇺🇸 (@DanMcKenziePSS) June 5, 2025
The debate is far from settled. What’s clear, though, is that PTI still means something to people, not just for its hosts, but for what it represents in a sports media landscape that feels more crowded and louder than ever.
Also Read: ESPN Is Reportedly Closing In On Massive NFL Acquisition
