In a move that marks the end of an era in Canadian public broadcasting, TVO has announced it will sunset its flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, after an impressive 19-season run. The final broadcast is set for June 27, 2025, and for many Ontarians, it will feel like saying goodbye to a trusted dinner guest—one who always brought facts, balance, and an impressive Rolodex of guests to the table.

Since its launch in 2006, The Agenda has been a cornerstone of civic discourse in Ontario. It emerged from the ashes of Studio 2, with Paikin at the helm, guiding viewers through complex political, social, economic, and cultural landscapes. Whether you agreed with his guests or not, you knew you’d come away smarter for having watched.

But fear not, public affairs junkies—TVO isn’t abandoning the field. Come fall 2025, a new show, The Rundown, will take its place. While details remain sparse, TVO promises it will carry on the tradition of thoughtful journalism that The Agenda embodied. One notable change: The Rundown will not be hosted by Steve Paikin.

The Paikin Legacy: A Journalist’s Journalist
For those unfamiliar with Steve Paikin’s long and storied career (where have you been?), the man is a broadcasting institution. Before The Agenda, he co-hosted Studio 2 and anchored Diplomatic Immunity, showcasing his deft moderation skills and encyclopedic knowledge of politics and international affairs. His journalistic journey began in the 1980s, with stints at CHCH-TV in Hamilton and CBC Newsworld, and he even authored several books exploring Canadian politics and leadership.

Paikin’s interviewing style—unfailingly polite, often probing, never performative—earned him accolades and respect from all corners of the political spectrum. He doesn’t shout, he doesn’t sensationalize. He listens. And in today’s media landscape, that’s become a rare and precious commodity.

What’s Next for Steve Paikin?
Though he’s stepping back from full-time hosting duties, Steve Paikin isn’t exactly riding off into the sunset. TVO has confirmed he will remain part of the team in a part-time capacity. He’ll co-host the weekly political podcast #onpoli, continue as a columnist on the TVO website, and lead Ontario Chronicle, a history-focused series on YouTube. He’ll also serve as a host for public events—likely to be as packed as his Twitter mentions during election nights.

So, while The Agenda may be coming to a close, the Paikin chapter in Canadian journalism is far from over.

The goodbye may be bittersweet, but it’s also a reminder of what good, measured, insightful media can look like, and if the past is any indication, Paikin’s next act will be worth watching too.