Skip Bayless Reunites With Stephen A. Smith on First Take After Nearly 10 Years
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 12
Skip Bayless Reunites With Stephen A. Smith on First Take After Nearly 10 Years
7 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 12
Friday’s “First Take” marked Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith’s first episode together in nearly 10 years, and Bayless followed it with a 28-minute social-media video praising the reunion and signaling he wants more.
ESPN is calling Bayless’ appearance a one-time event, but Smith — now the show’s executive producer and a $20 million-a-year star — has the influence to bring him back in some form.
A full-time reunion looks unlikely because Smith has said restoring Bayless permanently would undercut regular contributors and his rotating-panel format.
A recurring guest role remains a plausible middle ground as “First Take” looks for fresh momentum, while Bayless no longer has a major TV platform after “Undisputed” was canceled in 2024.
Is Skip Bayless's plea a genuine reunion attempt or a calculated play to boost a show's ratings?
Will Stephen A. Smith risk his media empire to repay an old debt to his former mentor?