Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith defined the debate era of sports television. Both, rooted in their journalistic beginnings, made a successful transition to broadcast media. They helped grow the industry across both sports radio and television. However, the real impact for both didn’t come until their on-screen relationship blossomed on First Take.
Since Bayless left ESPN in April 2016, he has spent the last decade trying to build a similar home to the one he helped create there. However, despite different co-hosts and networks, he hasn’t been able to match the impact that First Take has achieved.
Now, nearly two years after leaving FS1 and attempting to launch his own independent projects, Bayless is set to return to the show he helped build. While some are framing this as both a welcome back and a farewell to the audience, it should instead be viewed as a real-time demo to see if the sparks can still fly.
First Take is in its offseason mode. The NFL Draft is over, and the NBA playoffs have just begun. The platform is now heavily NBA-focused, even as regular-season baseball and postseason hockey attempt to break through the sports ecosystem. This creates an ideal opportunity to “test drive” potential guest co-hosts for the future.
That’s why the network announced that rapper and podcast host Cam’ron will join Smith today, with Hot 97’s Kid Mero appearing Thursday.
Everyone Benefits
But it was the announcement of Bayless’ return this Friday that drew the most attention. Bayless will join the program from his Los Angeles setup, marking the first time he and Smith have shared a screen on ESPN since 2016. It won’t be the first time they’ve collaborated since their last First Take appearance, as both have appeared together on digital platforms in the years since.
With First Take’s rotating cast model now central to its weekday programming, Bayless’ appearance should be viewed more as a “test drive” than a “nostalgia play.”
At 74, Bayless still commands an audience. Even a decade after leaving First Take, he continues to draw attention wherever he appears. He has built The Skip Bayless Show into a YouTube platform with more than 250,000 subscribers. His social media presence is also growing, now approaching four million followers. Recently, he teamed up with Gilbert Arenas’ growing platform The Arena, which also attracts a sizable audience.
There’s no denying that Bayless has built a digital following that rivals many of his peers.
From ESPN’s perspective, the question becomes whether there’s interest in doing business with Bayless again. It’s not a difficult case to make. His track record with the network, combined with his expanding social media reach, presents a compelling argument for a recurring role on First Take. Additionally, with David Roberts no longer overseeing the program alongside Smith as executive producer, the fit makes even more sense.
But the bigger question remains: will audiences respond to a Bayless-Smith pairing the way they once did?
Viewership habits and measurement metrics have changed significantly since 2016. While Smith often highlights First Take’s dominance in morning sports television, the show has faced little direct competition at a comparable scale.
Still, imagine adding Bayless into a regular rotation during football season alongside Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Cam Newton, and others. Not just a one-off appearance, but true appointment viewing for ESPN. The network has already embraced personalities like Pat McAfee, Josh Pate, and Bussin’ With The Boys as regular contributors across its platforms.
So why not Skip Bayless?
What’s Old Could Be New
The reality is, this isn’t about turning back the clock—it’s about recognizing what still works in a constantly evolving landscape. Bayless and Smith didn’t just create memorable television; they built a format the industry has spent years trying to replicate.
Chemistry like that doesn’t age out—it either exists or it doesn’t.
Friday’s reunion shouldn’t be treated as a curtain call. It should be evaluated as a proof of concept. If the energy is there, if the conversation cuts through the noise, and if the audience responds as history suggests it might, the next step becomes clear.
ESPN doesn’t need nostalgia—it needs impact. And impact is exactly what a recurring role for Bayless on First Take could deliver. The history is proven, the attention is guaranteed, and the interest is already built in.
So, if Friday reminds everyone why this pairing mattered in the first place, ESPN shouldn’t overthink it. Make it a regular feature—and let the audience do the rest.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
