Skip Bayless Calls ESPN, Stephen A. Smith Reunion His Career ‘Rebirth’

TL;DR

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith reunited for a live special on ESPN, showcasing their strong on-air chemistry. Bayless described the event as a 'rebirth' in his career, but future appearances remain uncertain.

Key points

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith reunited on ESPN.
Bayless called the reunion a 'rebirth' in his career.
Future appearances by Bayless on ESPN remain uncertain.
Their chemistry has historically attracted high viewer numbers.

Mentioned in this story

Skip BaylessStephen A. SmithESPNUnderdog

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith did not just run it back on ESPN. They reminded the industry why chemistry still sells.

What We Know: Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith reunited last week for a two-hour live special on ESPN from LA Live in Los Angeles. Shea Cornette handled the referee role. Smith and Baylees first clicked on Jim Rome’s Fox Sports Net show in the early 2000s before teaming up and turning “First Take” into must-watch appointment viewing for sports fans. Bayless left for FS1 and Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe in 2016. Smith then partnered with Max Kellerman on First Take before changing the format to feature himself alongside a rotating cast in late 2021. First Take remains dominant in its timeslot, attracting near or above 500,000 viewers per show. Bayless is now a contributor to Gilbert Arenas’ platform, Underdog.

What They Said: “It was a rebirth. A relaunch. It was just a restart of the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my lifetime, my on-air chemistry…with Stephen A. Smith” – Skip Bayless

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not said if Bayless will make additional appearances with Smith. Smith hasn’t remarked on future plans either. As of today, there is no announced plan for recurring reunion episodes, guest stints, or a larger on-air role. It also remains unclear how Underdog view Bayless’s ESPN cameo in the context of his current commitments. Moreover, we don’t yet know how Bayless entering the mix would affect other First Take contributors or if management is interested in having Skip further involved.

What It Means: Media professionals can’t deny Skip and Stephen A.’s chemistry. Their on-air friendship, trust, and comfortability debating each other creates appointment viewing. The appearance created buzz, and I suspect ratings and online metrics will verify additional lift. If Bayless enters the rotation as a regular contributor, it would add juice to the show that he helped make famous. Neither Skip nor ESPN need to rush into this. If chatter, curiosity, and enthusiasm builds for Skip and Stephen A. to reunite, football season makes the most sense to run it back. Skip’s profile fits what Jimmy Pitaro values, a talent who can cut through the crowded media environment. It makes too much sense for both sides to not work together again.

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Q&A

What did Skip Bayless say about his reunion with Stephen A. Smith?

Skip Bayless referred to the reunion as a 'rebirth' and a 'relaunch' of their successful on-air chemistry.

Will Skip Bayless make more appearances on ESPN with Stephen A. Smith?

As of now, ESPN has not confirmed if Skip Bayless will have additional appearances alongside Stephen A. Smith.

How did Bayless and Smith's chemistry impact their audience?

Their chemistry creates appointment viewing, which has historically attracted high viewer numbers, with 'First Take' often reaching near or above 500,000 viewers per show.

What are the implications of Bayless's return for ESPN's programming?

If Bayless becomes a regular contributor again, it could enhance the show's appeal and ratings, especially with the upcoming football season.