Keep pulling the thread on Jimmy Roberts.
The creation of "Pardon the Interruption" was driven by the belief that ESPN's programming portfolio at the time lacked sufficient debate and argument-style content.
ESPN executives initially rejected "Pardon the Interruption" due to concerns that it would cannibalize the audience for its flagship news show, "SportsCenter".
"Pardon the Interruption" was only greenlit after its creator was promoted into a leadership role at ESPN, which gave him the authority to approve the show himself.
The ESPN show "Pardon the Interruption" has been on the air for 25 years.
The concept for ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" was inspired by the CNN political debate show "Crossfire".
The original concept for "Pardon the Interruption" specified a half-hour show hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.
The natural on-air chemistry between Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon stemmed from their years of arguing as reporters in the newsroom of The Washington Post.
The initial pitch for "Pardon the Interruption" to ESPN management went unanswered for six months.
The creator of "Pardon the Interruption" argued that the show would boost ratings for all of ESPN's evening programming, including "SportsCenter," by acting as a strong lead-in.
A successful television show is predicated on having either a strong format or strong talent, and a show with both, like "Pardon the Interruption," can become a long-running winner.