From walking away after more than thirty-five years at the same workplace to being dubbed the “coolest grandpa,” Ernie Johnson is riding a wave of emotions. If you’ve been following the behind-the-scenes moments lately, you probably saw that touching clip from two weeks ago—Johnson’s heartfelt message to the TNT crew moved even Shaquille O’Neal to tears. And now, the moment many Inside the NBA fans were dreading has finally arrived. The iconic show is saying goodbye to TNT and preparing for a new chapter on ESPN. The transition isn’t just big—it’s emotional.

But just when the atmosphere was growing heavier, a rather unexpected and heartwarming encounter seemed to lighten the mood. And it came courtesy of none other than Timothée Chalamet.

In what felt like a delightful blend of Hollywood and hoops, Chalamet greeted Ernie Johnson courtside before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The Dune actor, a die-hard Knicks fan, had joined a group of celebrity supporters who made the trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday night. Ben Stiller, another famous face among Knicks loyalists, was already chatting with Johnson when he waved Chalamet over to make the introduction.

The moment that followed couldn’t have been more charming. After a quick handshake, the Dune star looked at Johnson and, with all the confidence of someone born to be on camera, declared, “I’m playing you in the biopic.” And he didn’t stop there—he repeated the line just to make sure it landed. Johnson, lighting up with a grin, replied in kind: Chalamet had officially made him the “coolest grandpa of all time.”

And honestly, Ernie Johnson needed that kind of lift. For those who may have missed it, TNT dropped a four-part documentary titled The Inside Story right after Game 4 wrapped up. One of the standout clips features Johnson’s emotional farewell to his team before their last episode on TNT. O’Neal, who’s known for his larger-than-life personality, was visibly moved when the segment was filmed.

“This is really special,” Johnson said. “This is the greatest family in TV history, right here. Thanks.” The documentary captures several behind-the-scenes moments recorded throughout the season, showcasing just how deep the bond runs between the crew.

Now, to be clear, the show isn’t going off the air. After the NBA chose not to renew its deal with TNT, Inside the NBA found a new home on ESPN and ABC last November. So yes, the beloved team of Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith will return—just not on the same network. Still, leaving a place that’s been your professional home for decades is no small thing. And Johnson had been dealing with the emotions for quite some time now. The feeling of it all coming to an end had started to seep in on the sets from regular-season games themselves.

Ernie Johnson honored TNT coworkers in Inside the NBA’s last regular-season show

As the curtain began to fall on Inside the NBA’s iconic run, emotions ran high during its final regular-season episode on TNT—a network that’s been home to the show for 35 unforgettable years. If you’ve been a longtime viewer, you likely felt the weight of the moment when Ernie Johnson, who’s anchored the show since 1990, stood up to honor the very people he’s worked alongside for decades.

With heartfelt sincerity, Johnson turned to the studio and addressed not just his team, but every fan who’s tuned in over the years. “I want to address all those folks who are watching but also want to do that by addressing,” Johnson said as he acknowledged a crowd of his coworkers, “my friends.”

His words struck a deep chord. “One of the most gratifying things about the whole process is this: We start the NBA on TNT back in 1989, and then we become synonymous with the league. For the fans out there, they think NBA, they think NBA on TNT. That’s why it hurts tonight – to know that’s gone after this next playoff run…”

“But I will say this: No time for bitterness. It is time for appreciation. It’s time for gratitude. And it has been my pleasure to be one of your coworkers, one of your teammates, and a part of this family. Love you.”

And just when you thought it couldn’t get more emotional, the studio team turned the spotlight back on Ernie. A standing ovation followed, with Charles Barkley speaking for all of us watching. “Me, Kenny and Shaq are the luckiest men in the world,” Barkley said. “But the person that makes it and is the reason that we call you the godfather, Ernie Johnson, you are the man.” No wonder Timothee Chalamet is tempted to play a man like Ernie Johnson in a biopic.