Skip Bayless to Join Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take for One-Time Reunion Friday
Sports commentator Skip Bayless will appear alongside Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's 'First Take' this Friday, marking their first joint hosting in nearly a decade. The one-time reunion was initiated by Smith, according to reports. Bayless, who left ESPN in 2016, now hosts his own podcast after years at Fox Sports.
Jeff Kern / Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)Skip Bayless will join Stephen A. com reported. The appearance stems from an idea proposed by Stephen A. Smith, according to the Los Angeles Times citing a person familiar with the situation. Bayless posted on Twitter on Monday, stating, 'CAN’T WAIT FOR FRIDAY. The reunion is described by ESPN as a one-time event.
Bayless was part of 'First Take' from its beginning in 2007 and left ESPN in 2016. After departing, he worked for Fox Sports, where he co-hosted 'Undisputed' from 2016 to 2024. For the majority of that time, Bayless was partnered with Shannon Sharpe on the program.
Stephen A. Smith stayed on 'First Take' following Bayless's exit and currently hosts the show with Shae Cornette. com reported.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-04
Skip Bayless posted 'CAN’T WAIT FOR FRIDAY. MORE SOON.' on Twitter.
1 sourcedailycaller.com - 2024
Skip Bayless ended his co-hosting role on 'Undisputed' at Fox Sports.
1 sourcedailycaller.com - 2016
Skip Bayless left ESPN and began co-hosting 'Undisputed' at Fox Sports.
1 sourcedailycaller.com - 2007
Skip Bayless joined 'First Take' on ESPN from the program's beginning.
1 sourcedailycaller.com
Potential Impact
- 01
Limited effect on ESPN's ongoing programming, as the reunion is specified as one-time only.
- 02
Potential temporary increase in viewership for the Friday episode of 'First Take' due to the reunion.
- 03
Possible renewed interest in Bayless's podcast 'The Skip Bayless Show' following the appearance.
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