ESPN’s PTI, hosted by Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, celebrates 25th anniversary on October 22

ESPN's Pardon the Interruption (PTI), a prominent program hosted by Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, will commemorate its 25th anniversary on October 22, 2026. Since its launch in 2001, the show has consistently covered the most important sports topics of the day. Wilbon and Kornheiser, both former Washington Post reporters, have employed graphics and a timer to maintain focus on their discussions.

The show, which began in an era predating cell phones and social media, has adapted remarkably well to the changing landscape of sports media over the past quarter-century. Despite these changes, the duo continues to engage their audience by showcasing a diverse collection of sports and entertainment memorabilia, as well as personalized messages to Canadian viewers at the end of every episode.

In 2025, Wilbon and Kornheiser signed three-year extensions, ensuring the show's continuation through at least 2028. Notable personalities like Tony Reali, who later hosted Around the Horn, began their careers on PTI. Reali, fondly referred to as "Stat Boy," made appearances on the show from its start until 2014. Another frequent guest, Pablo Torre, gained prominence through his investigative show, Pablo Torre Finds Out.