All about: Pardon the interruption (PTI)

Pardon the Interruption (PTI) is a popular television show on ESPN (Entertainment Sports Programming Network), for audiences in the United States. Read on for more information regarding the show.

Basics with the show

Overview The show is hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, well-known sports writers and the country. Tony Reali serves as a sort of moderator in parts of the show; he is known for doing the same on ESPN's Around the Horn. PTI speaks exclusively about sports in the United States (there are a few teams in Canada), unless something out of the country directly impacts sports in the United States.
If you watch the show, you will certainly see the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL covered, as these are the professional sports leagues for the country's four major sports (basketball, baseball, American football, and hockey, respectively). PTI debuted in October of 2001.
It is typically aired on every weekday, and has become a popular and regular show in ESPN's afternoon lineup of sports commentary shows.

What is the show like?

The basics
PTI is known for its light and humorous tone.
Often, Kornheiser and Wilbon will make jokes as they analyse and cover various topics.
You will also find them arguing over viewpoints that they have, as they are not afraid to voice their opinions. The nature of what is covered varies.
Most often, you will find them covering the big stories in American sports.
How an injury affects a team, the recent good or bad play of a team, play-off races in particular sports, and much more can be found. News material related to sports, such as a retirement, contractual news and free agency are also covered as well. The show uses an interesting combination of elements in its presentation.
They have a timer that is fully visible to the viewer, where you can see how much time is left to speak of the current topic. In addition, there is the "rundown," a graphic which displays the upcoming topics. The latter has become so popular that SportsCenter, ESPN's flagship program covering sports highlights and news, has adopted it (among many imitators). PTI is a show that provides more commentary, with opinions that serve those who closely follow sports in the United States. It is available on ESPN podcast and satellite radio (Sirius).