Skip Bayless is having a very unlikely reunion.
Bayless will be returning to ESPN’s “First Take” on a part-time basis. Stephen A. Smith, Bayless’ longtime former co-host on “First Take,” made that announcement on Friday during the latest episode of his self-titled podcast.
Smith revealed that Bayless will be appearing with him on “First Take” on the last Friday of every month and will also be appearing with him on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” every Friday. Bayless himself even appeared on this Friday’s edition of “The Stephen A. Smith Show” for his first official reunion with Smith.
Stephen A. Smith & Skip Bayless share a wholesome moment together after reuniting and giving each other props for how far they’ve come
— Slime (@ItsKingSlime) September 11, 2026
Stephen A. also announces that Skip will be on his show to debate every Friday, and he will be featured on First Take on the last Friday of… pic.twitter.com/FhKNJuHbiv
Bayless, 74, and Smith, 58, were co-hosts on “First Take” from 2012-16, forming an iconic debate show duo and sending ESPN’s morning ratings soaring. But their partnership came to an end in 2016 when Bayless left ESPN for FOX Sports.
In more recent years, Bayless and Smith had a notable feud play out in the public eye (with both men retroactively claiming credit for the success of “First Take”). But with Bayless now working independently after his departure from FOX Sports in 2024, he is finally making peace with his old media partner Smith in a surprising twist.
