Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith to reunite for a day on ‘First Take’
Skip Bayless is returning to ESPN’s “First Take” – but for a very limited time only.
Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on Friday’s episode of the popular sports talk show in what the network describes as “a unique reunion” between the two men who have not hosted the program together in nearly 10 years.
Bayless appeared on “First Take” from the series’ inception in 2007 until leaving ESPN in 2016. Smith remained on “First Take,” which he currently hosts with Shae Cornette.
It was Smith’s idea to bring back Bayless as a special guest, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.
After leaving ESPN, Bayless joined Fox Sports, where he co-hosted the similarly formatted show “Undisputed” — most of the time with co-host Shannon Sharpe — from 2016 to 2024. He currently hosts a podcast, “The Skip Bayless Show,” and is a regular contributor to the digital sports show “The Arena: Gridiron,” with Gilbert Arenas.
In 2024, Smith responded to rumors that Bayless might join “First Take.”
“Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a talk show, that’s it,” Smith said on his podcast. “It’s over. And it’s not the first time I’ve said it. There’s no negativity or shade thrown at Skip Bayless. I’ve moved on.”
