Turner Network Television, also known as TNT, began broadcasting NBA games back in 1989, when the wildly popular Inside the NBA television show was officially born.
Also known by the moniker 'NBA on TNT," the show has become appointment viewing for millions of sports fans, averaging 1.25 million viewers per game during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
The show is expected to move to ESPN and ABC next season after TNT's contract runs out at the end of this season, signaling the end of an era for the show's cast and crew, led by its iconic quartet of host Ernie Johnson and analysts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.
On Wednesday, Johnson shared a heartfelt comment on his co-workers that began going viral on X into the early hours of the morning.
Ernie Johnson and Adam Silver.
Ernie Johnson (left) and NBA commissioner Adam Silver at the Feb. 16 All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
"This is the greatest family in TV history, right here," Johnson said according to the NBA on TNT X page, which added a heart emoji.
A photo of the NBA on TNT crew was shared for dramatic effect as fans began lining up to share their thoughts on the forthcoming end to the show.
"Childhood is gone," one fan said.
"The NBA wouldn't be nearly the same for all of us without this team," another added.
"I watched the entire episode. Thank you @NBAonTNT," another said.
"Covering the NBA for 35 years. The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be!" another added.
"Legends," another reader said.
"I'm not crying," another added with two crying emojis.
"Nobody has done it better than Ernie," another added.