Skip Bayless boosts Stephen A's sluggish "First Take" ratings by 24% on their reunion show

Skip Bayless’ return to "First Take" on ESPN last week boosted viewership by 24%, ESPN confirms to OutKick.

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

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

The increase is notable. While "First Take" remains one of ESPN’s higher-rated shows, it has struggled to keep pace with the growth of surrounding programs. ESPN recently...