After nearly three decades on HBO, “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” is set to conclude its remarkable run. The sports talk series, which first graced the network’s lineup in 1995, has delivered over 300 episodes of thought-provoking sports journalism.
Bryant Gumbel, the show’s iconic host, shared his sentiments about this significant chapter coming to a close, saying, “Since day one at ‘Real Sports,’ we’ve consistently tried to look beyond the scoreboard and focus instead on the many societal issues inherent in the world of sports. In the process, we’ve had the opportunity to tell complex stories about race, gender, class, opportunity, and so much more. Being able to do so at HBO for almost three decades has been very gratifying. I’m proud of the imprint we’ve made, so I’m ready to turn the page. Although goodbyes are never easy, I’ve decided that now’s the time to move on.”
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Over its illustrious run, “Real Sports” has been the recipient of 37 Sports Emmy Awards and 3 Peabody Awards. Each episode of the show offers viewers a glimpse into multiple stories within the realm of sports. The series has also boasted a roster of esteemed correspondents, including Soledad O’Brien, Ariel Helwani, James Brown, Jim Lampley, and many others.
“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” has been executive produced by Joe Perskie.
“For 29 seasons, ‘Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel’ has delivered a masterclass in sports storytelling, garnering 37 Sports Emmy Awards and 3 Peabody Awards in the process,” stated Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content. “As the longest-running HBO series, Bryant and his ‘Real Sports‘ team have long been a cornerstone of HBO programming. The series will continue to resonate in the realm of sports journalism, and we are so proud to have been part of such a remarkable odyssey.”
Bryant Gumbel has been a respected figure in sports broadcasting and journalism. Alongside his tenure on “Real Sports,” he is renowned for his coverage of the NFL, Major League Baseball, college football, and more. Moreover, he co-hosted “The Today Show” for a notable 15-year stretch from 1982 to 1997.
As HBO bids farewell to this iconic series, it marks the end of an era in the world of sports journalism. The legacy of “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” is sure to endure as it takes its final bow.
