ESPN’s Around the Horn is set to air its final episode on May 23, concluding a remarkable 23-year run with nearly 5,000 episodes. In light of this, a group of devoted fans is urging the network to reconsider its cancellation decision by launching a petition on Change.org titled, “Prevent the Cancellation of ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Show.”
Initiated by Juliana Buendia, the petition expresses the community’s despair over the cancellation, stating, “As massive supporters and long-term viewers of ESPN’s Around the Horn show, we are devastated.” It commends host Tony Reali and references ESPN’s own PR releases, noting that “Nielsen ratings show that it consistently ranks among the most-watched, non-live telecast events on ESPN.” Furthermore, the petition implores the network, “Let us not allow an invaluable sports program to be pulled from us for unjustifiable reasons. The show has significantly contributed to ESPN and sports fans worldwide; it deserves the chance to continue.”
In November, Ryan Glasspiegel first reported the show’s impending cancellation, which ESPN officially confirmed in early March. The impending loss of ATH has already sparked tributes from Reali and others reflecting on the show’s legacy.
Speculation surrounding the show’s cancellation has been abundant, with varying theories discussing why Around the Horn may no longer fit ESPN’s current model. The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis suggested that ESPN is shifting towards mega-stars like Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee, claiming, the network simply does not have room for this type of show anymore. In contrast, former panelist Jay Mariotti indicated the show failed because it went “woke,” prompting Jemele Hill to respond to that “dumb statement.”
It’s not unprecedented for fans to successfully rally together and save a show from cancellation, with notable examples including the original Star Trek, Arrested Development, Friday Night Lights, Futurama, and Jericho. Nevertheless, as of Friday afternoon, the ATH petition, started just earlier this week, had only gathered 271 signatures. Given that many Change.org campaigns receive thousands, this may not be enough to effect change.
