@WatchPlayback on X
When ESPN made the surprise decision to cancel longtime show Around the Horn this year, the decision received backlash not only from viewers but also from host Tony Reali.
“I know how this show drove ratings,” Reali said of the decision. “I know how this show expanded the universe of the industry to the benefit of the network.”
Those comments came in April, one month before the final show on May 23. But six months later, Reali is back, and he’s playing host to a very, very similar-looking show.
‘Around The Horn’ Host Tony Reali Hosts First Episode Of ‘Around The Room’
On Wednesday, Reali teamed up with the interactive streaming service Playback, which is more or less a version of Twitch dedicated to sports watchalongs and content creators.
He played host for the first episode of Around the Room, which was more or less a slightly different version of Around the Horn that featured content creators rather than national journalists.
The four content creators who joined Reali for the show were: @thatsdomo1, @joelvmoran, @TrillBroDude, and @BiasedSlightly.
The Warriors are NOT ready to compete 😬 pic.twitter.com/Sb8STvigKM
— Playback (@WatchPlayback) November 13, 2025
Topics focused largely on the early-season NBA storylines such as the new NBA All-Star game format, the Mavs firing GM Nico Harrison, and Cleveland’s load management.
Reali judged answers and gave out points to creators much in the same way that he did on Around the Horn. The new panelists were told to be concise and convincing.
“A fun thing for the night! Sports talk belongs to the people!” Reali posted on X after the show. “And I really like the crew at playback! When I signed off after 5000 episodes, I said sports is about connection, and that still drives me. This was a good way to keep imagining what that connection looks like now as I build. Plus… they’ve got a game format. Those guys grew up with me and thats meaningful and someone’s gotta teach them how to mute faces”
Neither Reali nor Playback said whether Around the Room would become a regular program. But based on the viewership and feedback, it sure seems as if the interest is there.