First Take’s Opening Calls Skip Bayless Back

ESPN’s First Take has always thrived on heated debate, a formula that turned the show into a cultural touchstone for sports television. Yesterday’s Disney‑wide reduction in force rattled many familiar faces, including Ryan Clark, Charles Davis, Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero, Bart Scott, and Cam Newton. Newton’s exit after a multi‑year deal signed less than a year ago leaves a noticeable hole in the program’s lineup.

The departure raises a timely question: with the studio’s conversation‑driving engine looking slimmer, is it time to bring back the talent who made First Take a must‑watch destination? The answer may already be evident from a recent experiment.

Layoffs Reshape ESPN’s Talent Roster

Disney’s company‑wide cuts eliminated several high‑profile personalities, both recognizable and behind the scenes. Among the most notable exits were the former NFL analysts and longtime ESPN contributors listed above. One of the biggest losses for First Take came when Cam Newton was let go, despite joining the show after Shannon Sharpe departed amid a sexual‑assault lawsuit.

The show’s viewer numbers tell the story of its resilience. When Skip Bayless reunited with Stephen A. Smith for a one‑time special on May 8, the episode averaged 674,000 viewers. That figure represented a 24 % lift over the program’s weekday average of 520,800 for the year and a 44 % boost compared with the same episode the previous year.

Bayless Return Proves Audience Appetite

Beyond raw television numbers, the special’s digital performance was equally impressive. According to Front Office Sports, Bayless’s return generated more than 33.5 million social impressions, 2.2 million video views, and 1.1 million engagements across ESPN’s platforms. Those metrics underscore the show’s ability to spark conversation, a trait that sets it apart from most studio formats.

The chemistry between Bayless and Smith remained evident during the reunion, even as the hosts leaned into nostalgic debates from their past. The authenticity of the back‑and‑forth kept entertainment levels high, and the audience responded with measurable excitement.

Why Bayless Fits First Take’s DNA

Bayless helped pioneer the TV debate style that sports radio once dominated, adapting its energy and opinion‑driven flair for a national audience. Countless successors have tried to replicate the formula, yet First Take still stands as the benchmark.

Replacing Newton should focus less on former‑player credentials and more on the television chemistry that draws viewers into the conversation. The May reunion proved that the pairing still feels natural, with both hosts slipping seamlessly back into their roles that made the program a phenomenon.

Precedent for Reunions at ESPN

ESPN has demonstrated a willingness to bring back familiar voices when audience demand persists. Rich Eisen returned to host his radio show, produce the This Was SportsCenter podcast, and contribute to SportsCenter. Mike Golic is also re‑joining ESPN Radio, reclaiming a signature voice for the network.

Bringing Bayless back to First Take follows the same philosophy: recognize proven success rather than chase novelty. The goal isn’t to recreate 2012 but to acknowledge what still works in 2026.

The layoffs are never pleasant, but they also create openings for strategic moves. In today’s crowded sports‑media landscape, authentic chemistry is hard to manufacture. ESPN already knows the Bayless‑Smith dynamic delivers results, and an unexpected spot now sits on the desk.

It’s time to run it back. First Take has an opening, and Skip Bayless remains the answer.

John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five‑time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at [email protected].

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