Watch Pardon the Interruption

Pardon the Interruption, commonly referred to as PTI, is a sports talk show that debuted on ESPN on October 22, 2001. Hosted by sports journalists Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, PTI is a fast-paced show that offers viewers the chance to hear two of the most respected and seasoned sports journalists engage in debate, conversation, and analysis about the latest sporting news.

The show, which airs weekdays for 30 minutes on ESPN, is not your typical sports talk show. The format is simple: Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss and debate the day's hottest sports topics, and they do so with a great mix of humor, insight, and knowledge. The show is broken down into two parts, with the first segment covering the top five sports stories of the day, and the second segment featuring a "Big Finish" in which they will each weigh in on a number of other sports-related topics. The show is moderated by Tony Reali, who adds a unique angle to the program by keeping track of the points awarded to each commentator for their arguments and opinions.

One of the standout features of PTI is the chemistry between Kornheiser and Wilbon. They have been friends for decades and worked together for years at the Washington Post. Their familiarity with each other brings a unique energy to the show and allows them to present strong arguments while also teasing each other with good-natured criticism.

Another appealing aspect of the show is its focus on the big stories of the day in sports. PTI provides viewers with a great way to keep up with what's happening in sports, and to hear the opinions of two of the most respected sports journalists around. The show often dips into areas other than sports, particularly politics, to add some spice and commentary to the debates.

The show is known for its lively, energetic format, with Kornheiser and Wilbon often yelling over each other in excitement about the latest news. But it's not just the enthusiasm that makes PTI so great. Both hosts have impressive resumes and bring a wealth of experience to the show. Kornheiser was a former sportswriter for the Washington Post and has been a fixture in sports media for decades. He's the author of numerous books and is a well-known television and radio personality. Meanwhile, Wilbon is also a respected sportswriter and has covered sports for the Washington Post, NBC, and ESPN for over four decades. He's also the host of his own television show, "NBA Countdown."

The show has been a massive success for ESPN, consistently pulling in strong ratings and building an incredibly loyal fanbase. One of the reasons for its success is that it's a show that speaks to fans of all sports. Kornheiser and Wilbon are experts on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports, and they are equally comfortable discussing issues from each sport. This breadth of knowledge means that fans of all sports can tune in and get their fix of sports news and analysis.

PTI has also become something of a cultural phenomenon, with fans tuning in not just for the sports analysis, but for the personalities involved. The show has spawned catchphrases, memes, and more, and Kornheiser and Wilbon have become popular figures beyond just the world of sports media.

Overall, Pardon the Interruption is a show that's as entertaining as it is informative. It appeals to diehard sports fans who are looking for in-depth analysis, as well as casual viewers who just want to stay up to date on the latest news. With its engaging personalities, mix of sports and politics, and ability to break down complicated issues in a fun, accessible way, PTI is a must-watch for any sports fan.

Pardon the Interruption is a series that ran for 2025 seasons (3386 episodes) between October 22, 2001 and on ESPN