What’s the vibe when an era-defining show hits a turning point? For decades, TNT’s “Inside the NBA” has been an important part of the game with unfiltered debates, laughs, and inside jokes. But tonight, something felt different. As the last episode of the show is right around the corner, fans across the world held their breath. For fans, something was different. Fans, along with Chuck, cheered as they paid tribute to Ernie Johnson. Was this it? The beginning of the end for one of the most iconic sports shows of all time?

Let’s dig into why this moment stings. Inside the NBA, the show, which has become synonymous with late-night postgame analysis and cultural relevance, is nearing its final days on TNT. And the reason? The latest NBA media rights deal. It will witness the NBA’s broadcasting rights shift from TNT to ESPN along with ABC starting next season. While TNT will continue to produce the show from its Atlanta base, the show will shift to ESPN. Tonight’s emotional send-off is more special as tonight is the show’s last regular season episode. The season finale was not just about a show, it was about Ernie’s legacy. It was about a goodbye.

Then came the moment. Charles Barkley, the one who never shied away from roasting anyone, turned to Ernie. He said, “I just want to say this–me, Kenny and Shaq are the luckiest dudes in the world. But the person who makes it all go, the reason we call you the godfather—you are the man.” Emotions ran through the crowd as they started cheering for Ernie, and Shaq wasted no time asking the crowd to “stand up for Ernie Johnson” as he sang his godfather-themed hymns. Ernie’s the legend who, over the years, kept the team’s wild energy under control to make all the episodes a must-watch for fans. Why is he being so much loved? What’s with the “godfather” comment?

Ernie often gets called the Godfather as he joined the show back in 1990 as the host, way before anyone else did. Since then, Chuck, Kenny, and Shaq joined the show and under Ernie’s guidance made it to the Billboards. With the show’s move from TNT to ESPN, the 2025-26 panel is confirmed, and we’ll see them again. Finally! All of them are together for next year.

This move from TNT to ESPN feels like your favorite diner shifting to a new location despite the chefs being the same. Food might taste the same, but the ambiance will suddenly not. The fans are feeling the weight of it. The internet buzzed with fans’ emotional reactions to Ernie’s farewell, expressing their affection for the 68-year-old icon.

Fans honor the “Inside the NBA” icon Ernie Johnson

In a world where Inside the NBA lived in the heart of the fans, Ernie etched a huge legacy in their heart too. Fans expressed “Well deserved! EJ is a GOAT” praising Ernie and his 3 decades of legacy. Some fans even compared him with the Godfather movie after Charles’ comments. “The GOATfather” they commented, referring to Ernie Johnson’s status being the same Don Vito Corleone in the movie who keeps everything under control.

Some even voted for Ernie for the Hall of Fame, “EJ gotta be in the hall of fame” displaying their respect for the legendary host. He may not be balling on the hardwood, but on the mic? He was completely killing it! Fans commented, “If you don’t like Ernie Johnson, you have a problem” endorsing the instantly likable persona of EJ. Of course, who doesn’t like Ernie? “One of the most genuine people in the world,” one said, talking about Ernie not as a host but as a living, breathing individual. Another fan chimed in, “EJ deserves his flowers” exhibiting the respect he deserved all this time.

Although Inside the NBA returns in 2025 under new re-branding, this TNT farewell seems to be more than deserving. Ernie Johnson, who handcrafted the show and dedicated his life for the fans, finally gets the long-awaited love and respect.