First Take is without question one of ESPN’s most unique and important studio programs. The foundation built many years ago by embracing debate has fueled a generation of content creators, all chasing a piece of the attention that sports television’s premier debate show commands.
Yesterday, ESPN was part of Disney’s company-wide reduction in force. Some names you know, many you do not. Ryan Clark, Charles Davis, Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero, and Bart Scott were among the more recognizable personalities who exited the company. However, it was the departure of Cam Newton from First Take that raises an interesting question about the program’s future. Is it officially time to welcome Skip Bayless back to First Take on a weekly basis?
I know what many of you are thinking, so stop rolling your eyes for a moment.
Earlier this year, Bayless returned to the show that helped define his television career. His appearance wasn’t simply a nostalgic reunion alongside Stephen A. Smith. It was a reminder of why he became one of the most influential personalities in sports media.
The results spoke for themselves.
Bayless’ appearance averaged 674,000 viewers, a 24% increase over the program’s weekday average to that point this year (520,800) and 44% higher than the corresponding episode a year earlier.
The impact extended well beyond television.
According to Front Office Sports, Bayless’ return generated more than 33.5 million social impressions, 2.2 million video views, and 1.1 million engagements across ESPN’s social platforms.
People watched. They shared. They debated. In other words, they did exactly what First Take has always been built to encourage.
Opportunity Meets Bayless
Those numbers matter because they reinforce what has always separated First Take from nearly every other studio show. It doesn’t simply cover sports. It creates conversation.
Bayless helped pioneer that formula by taking the energy, passion, and opinion-driven style that fueled sports radio and successfully adapting it for television. Countless debate shows have followed, but First Take remains the standard every competitor continues to chase.
Yesterday’s layoffs unexpectedly created an opening.
Cam Newton joined First Take after Shannon Sharpe departed the program. Unfortunately for Newton, despite signing a multi-year contract less than a year ago, he became one of the casualties of Disney’s latest workforce reduction.
Replacing Newton shouldn’t necessarily mean finding another former NFL player. It should mean finding someone capable of creating compelling television.
That has always been First Take’s greatest strength. Viewers tune in because of personalities, chemistry, and conversation. Credentials certainly matter, but television chemistry matters even more.
Watching Bayless reunite with Stephen A. Smith in May, it was obvious the chemistry still exists.
Yes, ESPN leaned heavily into nostalgia by revisiting many of their legendary debates. Even so, what stood out wasn’t simply the history. It was how naturally the two slipped back into the roles that helped make First Take a cultural phenomenon.
The debates still felt authentic. The entertainment value remained high. Most importantly, audiences responded.
What’s Old Is New Again
ESPN has shown in recent years that it’s willing to reunite familiar personalities when it believes viewers still have an appetite for them. Rich Eisen returned to host his radio show, produce the This Was SportsCenter podcast, and contribute to SportsCenter. Mike Golic is also returning to ESPN Radio, bringing back one of the network’s most recognizable voices.
Bringing Bayless back to First Take would fit that same philosophy. This isn’t about recreating 2012. It’s about recognizing what still works in 2026.
Opportunity is often where preparation meets timing. Bayless’ return in May proved the audience remains interested. Yesterday’s layoffs unexpectedly created another opening.
ESPN doesn’t need Skip Bayless simply because of nostalgia. It needs him because he still delivers results. The audience showed up. The social numbers exploded. The debates felt relevant again.
Layoffs are never easy, whether you’re delivering the news or receiving it. But successful companies understand they must continue building even while reducing costs. The battle for audience attention never stops, and neither does the demand for compelling content.
In today’s sports media landscape, proven chemistry is difficult to manufacture. ESPN already knows this pairing works. With another opening on First Take, the easiest decision may also be the smartest one.
Run it back.
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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.