Skip Bayless' First Take Return Boosts ESPN Viewership 24%

Skip Bayless' return to ESPN's First Take last week lifted viewership by 24%, ESPN confirmed to OutKick.

The episode aired Friday, May 9, and averaged 647,000 viewers. First Take is averaging 520,800 viewers so far in 2026.

This marked Bayless' first television appearance with Stephen A. Smith in nearly 10 years.

The gain stands out. First Take remains one of ESPN's top-rated shows, but it has lagged behind the growth of programs around it. ESPN recently reported Get Up up 18% and The Pat McAfee Show up 16%. First Take, which runs between them, is up just 5%.

The show's current format relies on rotating contributors debating Smith. The group often includes former athletes like Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins and Chiney Ogwumike. That setup leaves Smith to lead discussions alone. As former debate partner Max Kellerman noted, Smith shines most when reacting to bold takes, not building them.

Bayless changed that on Friday. He spoke first, laid out an argument and drew a theatrical response from Smith. The back-and-forth can feel corny to some, but it beats Smith carrying debates by himself.

Since Bayless left, Smith has seemed unprepared on broad sports topics at times. His growing political commentary outside ESPN has not helped.

ESPN called the appearance a one-time event. Smith said last year he had no interest in reuniting with Bayless. Plans shift when ratings matter.

Smith sees hosts Mike Greenberg of Get Up and Pat McAfee gaining ground. Gaps among the three shows are now small. At this rate, one or both could top First Take by football season. Smith, also the show's executive producer, took notice of Bayless' boost and may test more appearances.

Questions remain on whether Bayless can sustain gains past a nostalgia bump. A full-time return looks unlikely. Smith values his control over the program.

A part-time slot might sting Bayless' pride. First Take was his domain in 2012. He brought Smith aboard despite ESPN resistance to him beyond radio. Now coming back as a contributor would not match that.

Still, Bayless recently posted a 28-minute video on the episode. He called his tie with Smith the greatest thing in his life, ahead of marriage. Since leaving FS1 in 2024, he has struggled in digital media.

A weekly debate slot for Bayless, like Chris "Mad Dog" Russo's Wednesday appearances, would suit everyone.