That’s a wrap: Bryant Gumbel and HBO’s ‘Real Sports’ air their last episode after 29 years.
Sports journalism bid farewell to a beloved institution as HBO’s Real Sports aired its final episode after an impressive run of 29 years. The show, hosted by Bryant Gumbel, tackled a wide array of issues through the lens of sports, garnering awards for its impactful coverage on corruption, labor abuses, concussions, and various other pressing matters. The show not only informed and educated but also entertained its audience with inspirational stories and a touch of humor.
As the final episode was recorded, Gumbel expressed mixed emotions, saying, I’m sad, but everything has to end at some point, and this is the right time for this to end. Behind the scenes, a cart filled with champagne was wheeled down hallways, while correspondents, producers, and their families bid farewell to the show. Gumbel’s wife, Hilary, and his grandchildren settled into seats in the control room, eagerly watching the historic moment.
Gumbel, who is 75 years old and at the end of his contract, acknowledged that the decision to bring the show to a close made sense. With HBO now under the control of Warner Bros. Discovery, a company focused on cost savings, concerns arise about the potential loss of a form of sports journalism. Mark Hyman, the director of the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland, lamented the end of Real Sports, describing it as the gold standard in sports journalism on TV for the past three decades. The show’s independence, ambition, and well-funded nature set it apart from other outlets that are influenced by league ownership or the pursuit of lucrative rights deals.
Gumbel himself emphasized the importance of freedom in journalism, stating, I think it was one of the few avenues that could honestly explore issues without having to worry about ratings or sponsorships or relationships. In an industry where athletes now have the ability to control their own messages through social media and platforms like The Players’ Tribune, the absence of objective and hard-hitting sports journalism may be deeply felt.
Real Sports boasted an exceptional team of correspondents over the years, including Mary Carillo, Jon Frankel, Andrea Kremer, Armen Keteyian, Soledad O’Brien, and David Scott. Renowned sportswriter Frank Deford, who passed away in 2017, was also a part of the show for nearly two decades. However, not all departures were amicable. Bernard Goldberg, a former correspondent, left the show in 2020 following a dispute with Gumbel over societal racism. Goldberg’s departure underscored the challenging nature of the show’s interviews, akin to those on 60 Minutes.
Reflecting on the impact of Real Sports, Gumbel highlighted stories that stuck with him, such as the release of athlete Marcus Dixon from prison and the exposé on a recruiting scandal at St. Bonaventure University that led to a university official taking their own life. Focusing on the profound effects of sports on those involved, Gumbel said, What’s more important to me, more lasting to me, and more interesting to me is how sports impacts the people who try to play it, try to run it, and try to govern it.
Throughout his 29-year tenure, Gumbel took great pride in never missing a show taping, even amid personal challenges and health issues. Divorce, two battles with cancer, seven surgeries, and a severe facial injury requiring 68 stitches were all conquered by his unwavering commitment to his craft. As he contemplated the end of his career, Gumbel found himself empathizing with athletes facing retirement.
The departure of Real Sports undoubtedly marks the end of an era in sports journalism. In an industry increasingly influenced by league-owned outlets and rights-focused networks, the show’s unique ability to fearlessly explore important issues will be sorely missed. As changes continue to reshape the media landscape, the legacy of Real Sports will serve as a reminder of the power and impact of independent, ambitious, and well-funded journalism.
