Timeline emerges for Skip Bayless’ unexpected Stephen A Smith and ESPN reunion

May 4, 2026 - 18:30

An unexpected reunion will be taking place on Friday.

According to Front Office Sports, Skip Bayless will reunite with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ this Friday.

ESPN hosts Stephen A. Smith (L) and Skip Bayless attend the Paley Prize Gala honoring ESPN's 35th anniversary presented by Roc Nation Sports on May 28, 2014 in New York City. — Bayless and Smith will appear on ESPN’s First Take on Friday

It has been just under 10 years since Bayless bid his emotional goodbye to Smith and the Network before joining FOX.

“We’ve had our battles on this show, we fight like brothers, we get mad, we love each other. And I’m going to miss him more than he has any concept,” Bayless said, via USA Today.

The reunion however, has been described as a ‘one time show’ and will mark the pairs first appearance on the show together since June, 2016.

In addition to Bayless, other First Take appearances this week include rapper Cam’ron on Tuesday and personality The Kid Mero on Thursday.

But fans are the most excited about the reunion of Smith and Bayless, and took to social media to express their joy at the news.

“The internet is not ready for this on Friday. Two people who made morning television feel like a sport are back in the same room,” one fan posted.

“Skip and Stephen A back in the same room together is either going to be must watch TV or a complete disaster and honestly, both options are entertaining,” a second added.

“Finally, this is going to be very emotional for us First Take fans,” a third commented.

“The original chaos duo is back, Friday is going to be so entertaining,” a fourth said.

“The iconic duo returns, I know what I am watching on Friday morning,” a fifth concluded.

Sports journalist and television personality, Skip Bayless can be seen on television screens in the control room during the live filming of First Take, ESPN2's daily sports talk show, on Friday morning, August 30, 2013, at ESPN Headquarters. Bayless is on air with Stephen A. Smith and Cari Champion as he is every week day, during their two hour morning program from 10am - noon. — Bayliss bid an emotional goodbye to Smith and ESPN just under 10-years ago

Stephen A. Smith looks on after the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 16, 2025 — Fans are excited to see Smith and Bayless back in action together

Smith has credited Bayless for saving his career

Smith signed a five-year, $100m extension with the network in 2025, making him the highest-paid talent there.

Smith has also publicly praised Bayless for saving his TV career and setting him on the path to becoming ESPN’s biggest star.

Smith was let go by ESPN in 2009 after the cancellation of his talk show, Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith.

But Bayless went to bat for his friend, bringing him aboard First Take as a guest debater. In 2012, Smith joined Bayless on the show full-time.

From there, First Take became one of ESPN’s most popular shows and when Bayless moved to FOX, Smith became the lead of First Take.

ESPN reporter and analyst Stephen A. Smith is seen on the set of — Smith has often credited Bayliss for saving his career when ESPN cancelled his talkshow in 2009

Bayless hosted FOX’s version of the show, Undisputed, before his TV relationship with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe fell apart, and the show was cancelled in 2004.

Since then, the 74-year-old continued to provide opinions on sports on his personal YouTube channel, as well as on Underdog’s The Arena: Gridiron, which he co-hosts with Gilbert Arenas.

Friday’s edition of the show promises to be entertaining, and don’t be surprised if the ‘one off’ becomes a regular feature.

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