Around the Horn Sports Television Show on ESPN

Around The Horn is a show which airs on ESPN and ESPN2 five days a week barring unforeseen sporting events or special programs. It is a forum of discussion for current sports topics ranging from Football to Basketball to even the occasional lesser known types of athletics. So just what does Around The Horn entail?

Hosted by a proverbial sports stat expert Tony Reali, as the name of the show suggests, the current topics of the day or week are bandied about among guests familiar with teams and players. Each piece of information given by the guests are graded on a points system by Reali, and whomever is still left standing with the most at the end of the show receives 'Facetime,' which in essence is an open 30 seconds to discuss whatever is on the contributing guest's mind.

The structure of the show is broken down into sections to make it easier for the casual sports fan to follow along the topics presented. It starts with an introduction of the panel members, then moves to what is known as 'The First Word.' This is where the most important or relevant sports topics of the day are discussed, and for a longer period of time. Around The Horn is unique in that all panel members can chime in upon hearing their colleague's arguments, whether it be about the best team in that particularly sport or otherwise. The second portion of the show is called 'Buy Or Sell.' Buy Or Sell is a time in which the host Reali asks the panel if they agree or disagree with a topic of choice and allow them roughly 20 seconds to tell the audience why. After Buy Or Sell the first panelist with the lowest point total is eliminated in 'First Cut.' After that panelist is gone, the show shifts to 'Out Of Bounds,' which discusses less relevant sports issues and gives members even less time to present arguments. 'Second Cut' is what follows Out Of Bounds, as the second panelist with the lowest point total is removed from the show. What's left is the time called 'Showdown,' in which the remaining two panelists have roughly 10 seconds to convince the host they deserve the aforementioned 'Facetime' based on a topic of his choice.

Having been on the air since November of 2002, Around The Horn shuffles panelists, however has a mainstay group that viewers will find on the show often. Sportswriters Jay Mariotti, Bill Plaschke, Woody Paige, and Michael Smith are all frequent guests, but the show certainly does not limit themselves to them. Around The Horn encourages both knowledge of sports and charisma in discussing points for and against issues for the entertainment of those watching.

At a 30 minute runtime, Around The Horn moves swiftly and is a refreshing water cooler type show for people interested in the world of sports and witnessing a friendly competitive game as a backdrop.