Skip Bayless boosts Stephen A’s lazy “First Take” ratings by 24% on their reunion show
Skip Bayless’ return to “First Take” on ESPN last week increased viewers by 24%, ESPN confirms to OutKick.
The episode aired on Friday, May 9, and reached 647,000 viewers. The program has an estimated 520,800 viewers so far in 2026.
This was Bayless’ first television appearance with Stephen A. Smith in nearly 10 years.
The increase is remarkable. While “First Take” remains one of ESPN’s highest-rated shows, it has struggled to keep up with the growth of programming around it. ESPN recently said “Get Up” was up 18% and “The Pat McAfee Show” was up 16%. “First Take,” which plays between them, is up 5%.
Sports reporter and television personality Skip Bayless appears on television screens in the control room during a live taping of ESPN2’s daily sports talk show First Take at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Conn., on August 30, 2013. (Christopher Capozziello/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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There is a case that the program is out of date under its current format that the donors change against Smith. The roster often features former middle linebackers such as Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins and Chiney Ogwumike. That forces Smith to conduct the conversation himself. As fellow interviewer Max Kellerman explained, Smith is able to react cartoonishly to provocative ideas, not construct them.
Enter Skip Bayless.
Friday’s episode felt more compelling because Bayless set the tone. As in the past, he answered first, making an argument, and Smith answered in the stadium. This format doesn’t appeal to everyone and can backfire, but it’s more compelling than simply watching Smith handle arguments on his own.
Since Bayless’ departure, Smith has often been seen as ill-prepared and clueless on mainstream sports topics. His increasing focus on political commentary outside of ESPN didn’t help.
Stephen A. Smith talks about the shocking assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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Looking ahead, ESPN wrote that Bayless’ is bringing back a “one-off” look. However, Smith recently said last year that he has no interest in reuniting with Bayless in any capacity. Plans change, especially when viewing is a factor.
Stephen A. sees Mike Greenberg (producer of “Get Up”) and Pat McAfee close his viewer. The gaps between these three are now narrow. At this rate, one or both could pass “First Take” in football season. Smith, who is also an executive producer on “First Take,” will no doubt take note of the lift Bayless provides and consider bringing her back again.
Whether Bayless can deliver sustainable gains beyond a nostalgia-driven, one-time spike is unclear. ESPN and Smith can test that with more appearances before making any long-term decisions.
Skip Bayless is seen in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 27, 2017. (Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Pictures)
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Either way, a full Bayless comeback is unlikely. Smith has long maintained his control over the program and is unlikely to want to share it.
On the other hand, the part-time role could be a blow to Bayless’ ego. “First Take” was his show in 2012. He forced Smith to join him, despite opposition from within ESPN to use him as radio talent. Returning as the donor on the former platform his it can’t be good.
On the other hand, Bayless recently posted a 28-minute video recreating the appearance and called his relationship with Smith “the greatest thing that ever happened” to him, even more than his marriage. He sounds desperate. Since leaving FS1 in 2024, he has struggled to break into the digital media space.
Finally, Skip Bayless coming back once a week to interview Smith, like Chris “Mad Dog” Russo does every Wednesday, would make a lot of sense for all teams.
Bayless needs it. Stephen A. and “First Take” is also possible.
