Additional Coverage:
For the first time in nearly ten years, Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith are set to reunite on ESPN’s “First Take” this Friday, marking a notable moment for the sports debate show.
ESPN announced on Monday that Bayless will join Smith for a special, one-time appearance in Los Angeles. Bayless last appeared on the program in June 2016 before departing ESPN for FS1.
The dynamic between the two has shifted considerably since their early days together. Bayless once helmed the show and personally invited Smith to join as his debate partner back in 2012, when Smith was primarily a radio host without a television platform.
Today, Stephen A. Smith stands as one of the most prominent figures in sports media, while Bayless, having left FS1 in 2024, no longer hosts a TV show and now contributes to Gilbert Arenas’ YouTube channel.
ESPN’s description of the event as a “one-time reunion” appears to quell rumors of Bayless returning to “First Take” on a regular basis, unlike other contributors such as Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. Though Smith previously expressed disinterest in reuniting with Bayless, circumstances have evidently changed.
ESPN has seen growth across many of its shows recently, particularly after reducing political and racial discussions. Shows like “Get Up” and “The Pat McAfee Show,” which air around “First Take,” have posted double-digit viewership gains. However, “First Take” itself has only seen a modest 5% increase-below the network’s expectations.
ESPN and Smith likely hope Bayless’ return will boost ratings, but Bayless’ influence has waned since his departure. Toward the end of his FS1 tenure, Bayless’ “Undisputed” averaged just 30,000 viewers, and his recent podcast attracted minimal audience numbers.
Moreover, the challenges facing “First Take” may not be solved by Bayless’ presence alone. Since signing a lucrative $100 million deal last year, Smith’s commentary has drawn criticism for being repetitive and occasionally inaccurate, with some questioning whether his political commentary distracts from his sports analysis.
Bayless, known for his meticulous preparation, may actually expose some of Smith’s shortcomings in current sports knowledge, potentially making Smith’s performance appear weaker.
In addition to Bayless, ESPN plans to feature rapper Cam’ron on May 5 and comedian Kid Mero on May 7 to join Smith in debate segments, aiming to diversify and energize the show’s lineup.
For now, Bayless seems enthusiastic about the reunion, tweeting, “CAN’T WAIT FOR FRIDAY. MORE SOON.” The upcoming episode will reveal whether this reunion can recapture the magic of their earlier days or simply serve as a nostalgic nod to a past era in sports debate television.