Pardon the Interruption (2001– ) User Reviews

Wilbon is over it

[blizzdizzl23 · 8/10 · 7 May 2021]

I used to love this show, but now half of the dialogue is Wilbon complaining about something new & telling us that the athletes he grew up with were more impressive than any modern athlete.

Rapid Fire

[view_and_review · 8/10 · 4 November 2021]

I think PTI works because they leave you wanting more. Wilbon and Kornheiser do a rapid fire conversation/debate about a list of sports related topics which means they never get too in-depth and they never belabor the point. You're not going to get a ton of analysis here, just quick takes that are usually yelled and are sometimes funny.

Pardon the interruption but this is the best sports discussion show on TV today.

[msloane1 · 9/10 · 1 January 2015]

PTI is the best sports discussion show on the air today. And it works just as well with the substitute hosts. The thing that really drives PTI is the format. The timed topics structure helps keep the show on a good pace. Because the structure limits the amount of time allowed for any given topic no topic is allowed to drag on too long and each show allows for a good variety of topics to be covered. The rundown list is a nice feature that allows viewers to know what subject is about to come up. PTI is a particularly enjoyable watch on Mondays during the NFL season. If a particularly major story has occurred more time may be allotted to it but still within the context of having a time limit. The second part of the show features either a game or a guest. I generally like the guests and I especially enjoy jaws commentary on the NFL and Barkley's commentary on the NBA during these guest segments. The games are more hit or miss for me. I love What's the Word and Oddsmakers and I enjoy Toss Up. On the other hand I don't care for Good Cop/Bad Cop and I despise that annoying Role Play game. Overall the first part of the show is meant to give a more serious take on the sports happenings of the time whereas the games that often occur in this second segment are meant to be more fun frivolous. The final part of the show includes happy time and the big finish. Happy time includes birthdays, anniversaries, and happy trails. The happy trails part can be funny, serious, or sad (if it is used to acknowledge a death). The big finish is basically a lightning round segment of very short takes on several topics. Oftentimes the big finish will end with Mike and Tony doing a prediction about an upcoming game. All in all the format and structure of PTI are what make it successful by ensuring a quality pace and a breadth of topics. Only my dislike of a few games prevented this from getting the full 10. A well earned 9 out of 10.

One of the best sports shows out there.

[dootuss · 14 June 2002]

Pardon The Interuption has to be one of the best sports shows on tv out there. Tony Kornheiser, and Michael Wilbon are your hosts, and they are not afraid to disagree with each other on a subject, and admit to each other that one of them is wrong, and what really makes this show unique is how they have a limited time on each subject so that the show doesn't become a half-hour gab fest over one thing in the sports world. In my honest opinion, this is the best sports show on tv. It's better than "Sportscenter", and that stupid "Best Da*n Sports Show Period!" (which I think is a sports program that relies on washed up athletes, and T&A to make a winner). ESPN has a winner here with PTI!!!

Hands down, the best show on ESPN.

[justin-fencsak · 10/10 · 6 August 2010]

For years I've watched Sportscenter and X-Games as my reason to watch ESPN. That, and some of their original scripted programming that didn't last long. That is, until PTI came along. This show, famous for its split-screen format with the guys bantering about sports and a rundown graphic of what's coming up, delivers on all goods. Even though it's not in HD on ESPN HD (it will come fall of 2010), it's full of humor, banter, bias, buzz, and plain fun. There have been shows that tried to duplicate the success of PTI and its sister show, Around the Horn (a game-show like interview show), but none can match the reign of ESPN's talk shows. PTI remains a hallmark of sports journalism at its wittiest.

The Star Wars of sports shows

[aldrears1 · 10/10 · 27 November 2007]

What else needs to be said? There's "PTI" and then there are the rest. I've not missed this show in four years-I refer to Mike and Tony when discussing sports topics as if I know them personally. Watch PTI once and you will too.

I also love the fact that the show features a Jewish man, a black man, and an Italian man-and that Michelle Tafoya, when she's been a guest, has demonstrated that the woman can hold there own with the men. But there's nothing like Mike and Tony, because of the fact that the show is an outgrowth of their 20 plus year friendship.

Even though he gets on my nerves, when Dan Lebartard fills in it's quite interesting. I do miss Steven A. Smith. Even if you're not a sports fan, you'll love PTI.

PTI-The Best!

Best of the Best

[arihiggins · 10/10 · 18 July 2022]

This is by far the "Best" sports talk show out there and is the only show I watch on ESPN. I record and watch it everyday without fail. I hope someone at ESPN doesn't ruin it like they have ruined all the other shows on their network.

GREAT SHOW but stop all the politics and race baiting

[aszymanski-50196 · 10/10 · 27 October 2017]

I've watched this show from the beginning and loved it. Now it's become a political platform for Mr. W. Stick to sports and leave your liberal politics at your home and with your friends. This a sports show, stick with talking about sports. I'm giving the show one more week and if there's more political and racial material, I'm done.

NFL overtime format

[rlawton-30250 · 8/10 · 24 January 2022]

I hope PTI will seriously comment on the NFL's overtime format.

Chiefs vs Bills on 1/23 is a flamingly agregious example of this issue. Every other sport I can think of provides a format that allows both teams equal opportunity to score. High School and College football have had a great format for over 15 years!!!

Why not the NFL???

Why Manfred needs to be shown the door

[dmartinez-25039 · 6/10 · 19 February 2020]

Are you kidding? A piece of metal? What does that say about what Manfred really thinks about his players. Most can lead during the good & easy times, but true leaders can lead during the trying times. Sorry, Manfred...you failed, big time. A good boss of the company does things right. A good leader does the right thing. The Astros do not deserve the Series because they have not EARNED it. Vacate the wins Manfred...the other MLB players deserve that...Baseball demands it. Be a true leader...do the right thing

PTI is no longer watchable

[richshea-62246 · 4/10 · 28 November 2017]

I used to love PTI but Michael Wilbon is now an angry man who shouts over Tony and gets irate on almost every subject. I wonder if he is trying to copy Stephen A. Wilbon comes across as going through a life crisis. I do not find his thoughts very insightful whereas Tony usually is reasoned and calm when expressing his opinions.

Awesome sports show.

[BlackJack_B · 24 April 2003]

This is definitely one of the best sports shows I've seen in awhile. Washington D.C. sports writers Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon have heated debates on the goings-on in sports and a bit of pop culture to boot. They always come up with some great bits in these tete a tetes and have great chemistry. Tony's New York City brogue meshes great with Wilbon's Midwestern sensibilities. The quick and dirty debates, the interview with a prominent sports figure that's in the current news, the always entertaining third segment (which rotates around different themes); it's all good. It's best asset is that it makes "Off The Record", the show that follows it on The Sports Network in Canada, even better because you're hungry for more sports debates. The only bad part: TSN only shows it Monday-Wednesday because TSN has a contract with the PGA to show the first two rounds of their golf tourneys. Still, three days a week are better than none. This is a definite must-see if you're a sports fan.

passed its prime

[ThunderKing6 · 5/10 · 5 February 2021]

Was great and fun in its prime when you are naive about the sports culture.

It was fun to watch the timer and arguments change abruptly.

The host were good. They weren't obnoxious and corny like The Diesel from another sports show.

Back in the day when you were naive the topics mattered. Now it feels like a soap opera. Just too much social and drama queen topics.

Verdict: I won't be interrupted again.

Best show ever!

[MinnesotaSportsGirl3 · 21 September 2004]

I adore this show beyond words! My brother introduced it to me a couple years ago and I religiously watch it. I love Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser! My favorite one, though, is Michael. He supports a lot of the things I do...and I agree with him on a lot of things! This show, I hope..will be around for a long time! I'm so happy that my brother introduced me to is and I try really hard NOT to miss it!

More people should watch it! See how cool Wilbon and Kornheiser are!!

Since I want to be a sportscaster, this is a great show!! I would LOVE to do this show for a living!

GO PTI!!

Done with PTI an Wilbon after many years.

[triplegnh · 1/10 · 6 June 2023]

This show has shown me Wilbon is the most unpatriotic on tv, it's all about the show, money, and not recognizing holidays for Americans that and fought an died for his freedom. He thinks LIV Golf is the best not recognizing what It stands for and who's financing it. Can you say 9/11 and human rights. I have no use for the PGA leadership for selling out the PGA PLAYERS that recognized it's more about staying loyal to their country than being bought out by "blood money" and Wilbon is all for it and the heck with the loyal ones who remained in the PGA.

The two different days he called Tony "Archie Bunker" was way out of line and I could go on about some of his other inappropriate comments.

Wilbon bluffs his way through the show telling his BS stories about him his money and houses, and not sticking to topics.

They should hire Pablo it would be a more interesting and entertaining.

It's sad to say I'm done with PTI and Wilbon's hollering and negative attitude.

Tony's great!!!!

One of the Best Sports Shows in T.V. History

[nedopetrie · 31 August 2005]

To try to explain 'Pardon the Interruption' would never quite do it justice. If you haven't seen it, the concept seems far to simple to work: two middle aged sportswriters gab about the headlines of the day for a half hour. But what separates PTI from duds such as 'The Best Damn Sports Show Ever' and round table snoozers like 'The Sports Reporters' is the chemistry between Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. Their banter, arguing styles, quick wits, and senses of humor make for a fun, irreverent, and interesting look at today's sports news. The only times the show doesn't hit the mark are when Tony or Wilbon are on vacation, which happens at least a couple weeks a year. The regular guest hosts (David Aldridge, Norman Chad, Bob Ryan) are always well informed, but don't match the humor that Wilbon and Tony bring to the program.

This show sucks.

[fixscott · 2/10 · 27 October 2020]

It is the TMZ of sports. It is about Tom Brady and Jerry Jones. We can't mention that the New England Patriots suck now or that the Cleavland Browns are good. God forbid anyone talk about the Bills. When Green Bay loses Rodgers, they will be an afterthought.

Watched for 20 years... now done!

[quockquock · 2/10 · 26 August 2023]

Wow, even Pardon The Interruption went with the other shows on ESPN. I thought Kornheiser might keep the show entertaining, but ESPN just had to follow the other shows. I quit watching when the Rapinoe cutout is in the background, or when the topic isn't sports, but social issues. Mike Wilbon is so biased it's sickening. If a certain coach is fired or someone disses a player, Wilbon is ranting all over the place, but if some player breaks the law or is justly fired, Wilbon won't say a word. He knows exactly who he supports and it's not based just on sports but other things that are more like Wilbon's heritage. I just want to watch sports.. not some forced social commentary.

Can't get enough of Pardon the Interruption

[tdoran · 20 May 2005]

PTI is one of the greatest shows on television right now, it is a staple in the dorm rooms of college aged males across America. My roommates and I manage our schedules to make sure that we are in our room before 5:30 so that we don't miss a single second. Wilbon and Kornheiser are hilarious together, and they're stupid catch phrases and fantastic arguments combine to create a sports show with both insightful and articulate commentary. Its refreshing to watch a sports show where not only do the hosts not agree with each other, but they don't cater to the opinions of the general public. They wear their personal biases right out on their sleeves and let the viewer take em or leave em.It might not always be pretty, but its definitely enjoyable, not to mention a way to get a quick fix on all your favorite sports topics within a half hour.

Would Be Better If They Stuck To Sports

[ccthemovieman-1 · 2/10 · 27 February 2008]

Unless you live in a volatile family situation or are from New York City and are used to shouting, what is the attraction of this sports talk show? Most people are tired of hearing people shout over one another. We get enough of that on political talk shows. I know sports is fun to debate. I've been doing that with friends for years, but there is no reason to shout and constantly interrupt each other....in "the name of entertainment."

I could still put up with abrasive shouting of co-hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbons but it's the other things, really, that made me lose interest in this show. What things? Ridiculous bias on the part of the hosts, particularly Kornheiser, who cannot stop interjecting his ultra-Liberal political beliefs. I lost track how many times this idiot had to give me his two cents on which candidate he liked best (the looniest, of course) during all the primaries. What has that got to do with sports? Nothing.

Also, after awhile, the show's introduction in which Kornheiser feels he has to try to imitate Howard Stern with some raunchy joke, gets tiresome fast...and is another reflection on the absolute moral bankruptcy of this so-called "sports guy." Hey, I like a laugh or two along with my sports commentary, too, but too often his jokes are tasteless.

Wilbons? He just isn't interesting enough to make any comments about here. Nor are the substitutes in this show, all of whom, by the way, have the same twisted values as the regular hosts. This could be a very good show if you had two more mature guys who always were a little more balanced in their reporting and a little classier in their humor.

Brilliant. Sports reporting the way it should be

[GrtOne41 · 22 December 2003]

*No spoilers included, since there is no plot to give away. It's a sports show :)*

Yes! Finally, a sports commentary show that doesn't have to use scantily clad women and crude humor (Best Damn Sports Show Period) or childish, insults to get viewer attention by using "shock value" (anything with Jim Rome). Tony and Michael have amazing chemistry. They play so well off each other and play to each other's strengths, which only strengthen the show itself.

The format of PTI is easy to understand and fast-paced, which is good. Too often, sports shows drag a particular subject on and on for eternity and beat the dead horse even further. PTI usually allows 2:00 for each subject and then moves on, no matter where Kornheiser and Wilbon are in discussing it. The two tackle the big headlines in sports and even shift to other areas (like Paris Hilton, Saddam's capture, etc.), but mix it perfectly with their meal ticket of sports.

The hosts have a perfect mix of argument, agreement, criticism, and praise. The rapid-fire delivery and organization make PTI the best sports show on TV today. While the hosts fire at each other, Stat Boy delves into the numerical arguments that are being heaved and deciphers which are accurate and which need correction. I love that feature. Rather than banter on about a subject and invent numbers to support a position, PTI corrects itself every show.

Bottom line is- if you are a sports fan, WATCH THIS SHOW. You will not be disappointed.

Rating- 9/10

Out of Date, time to retire the show.

[bhostetle · 4/10 · 8 May 2015]

Pardon The Interruption was one of the best sports shows on TV. Host's Tony Kornheiser, and Michael Wilbon have always been a little out of date to the younger sports crowd, but it used to work very well, ironically. As they have aged and with the departure of Reali, the show is a shell of it's once former greatness. It seems more and more they just want to disagree and not give any valid reasons for their disputes. The show had a fresh and unique take, giving segments timed amounts that they may slightly go over, but for the betterment of the topic. Now they give over-played topics six minutes and continue disagreeing for additional minutes at times. It's truly become a half-hour gab fest. In my honest opinion this show was once the flagship of sport shows. Tony Kornheiser is too out of touch and Michael Wilbon is bigoted and often racist, it's uncomfortable to watch. At least Around the Horn is still watchable, I thank PTI for what they've done for that show. Also, Highly Questionable, a show I did not care for when I first saw it, has become one of the funniest shows on television.

The Best Damn Sports Show, Period

[mikki727 · 2 August 2002]

I never miss this show. It is just too funny. The only problem I have with it is when Tony or Mike isn't present and they use special guest hosts. I hope this show is around for a long time. As far as the Best Damn Sports Show Period (the actual show on Fox Sports net) They should give their name to PTI.

Bad Personalities make a Bad show.

[stuman-2 · 1/10 · 16 October 2007]

PTI or Pardon the Interruption has become an awful show. Simply this is due to the main panelists Tony Kornhieser and Mike Wilbon. Both are rather awful. In fact it amazes that this show continues to be on the air daily and gets decent ratings. For a much more enjoyable show try "Around the Horn," this is a similar type of show with some format differences. But Around the Horn is enjoyable3 because of the diverse personalities and the better format.

I continue to watch "Around the Horn," but have stopped watching or recording "Pardon the Interruption." BTW: If you like to be insulted and called a knucklehead by Tony Kornheiser right off the top of the show you will like PTI. Kornheiser is simply awful and Wilbon is right behind that.

This show is great, the other morons STINK!

[Waydownthehill · 12 December 2003]

Not only do Wilbon and Kornheiser make great insights and humor into sports, they do into entertainment and politics as well. It is very refreshing to see two intelligent people be able to offer reasonable opinions about sports and differ on them. It is hilarious to see them bounce off each other and even scream at each other. I find it even more funny that they both work for the Washington Post. Without a doubt the freshest, best, most original show ESPN has had in a LONG LONG LONG time. Even someone in Mongolia can recognize this. And to those who disagree, your opinions are PORRIDGE! JUST LIKE THE BCS, PORRIDGE!