ESPN’s First Take is set for a one-time reunion between Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless on May 8, with other guest appearances weekly.
Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are set to share the same First Take stage again, bringing a long-awaited reunion moment back into the spotlight on May 8.
ESPN’s signature morning debate show, First Take, will welcome a mix of new and familiar faces during the week, with Bayless joining Smith live from Los Angeles on Friday, May 8. It will mark the first time the duo appears together on the program since June 2016.
The lineup also features rapper Cam’ron, scheduled to appear on Tuesday, May 5.. Cam’ron is currently the co-host of the “It Is What It Is” sports and culture podcast alongside Ma$e and Treasure Wilson. positioning his guest stop as part of a broader crossover between sports talk and pop-culture conversation.
Kid Mero is set to be on Thursday, May 7. The appearance continues First Take’s pattern of bringing in voices from beyond the traditional sports commentary lane, aiming to keep the show’s debate format dynamic across different audiences.
On the numbers side, First Take averaged 491,000 viewers in April, representing a 6% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. From January through April, the show averaged 517,000 viewers, up 5% versus 2025.
This kind of guest-driven week matters for a show built on fast, high-contrast discussion.. Bringing Bayless back for a one-time reunion is likely to carry special weight with long-time viewers who have strong recall of the duo’s earlier on-air chemistry. while the additions of Cam’ron and Kid Mero broaden the appeal beyond pure play-by-play sports coverage.
The timing also suggests ESPN is leaning into audience momentum heading into May. With April viewership ticking upward year-over-year, the May lineup appears designed to capitalize on that momentum by offering event-style television moments rather than relying solely on routine guest rotation.
There’s also a strategic layer to how First Take reaches fans now, not just through linear scheduling.. ESPN says its programming is available in the ESPN App through an ESPN Unlimited subscription. which includes access to its broader network portfolio and features meant to increase engagement. such as multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options.
ESPN further highlights that fans using the ESPN App can access multiview and synchronized viewing. swipe-able shortform vertical video. and a personalized SportsCenter For You experience. alongside integrated game statistics.. The app experience also connects to ESPN Fantasy sports and provides betting odds and information from DraftKings. plus sports merchandise and more—features offered on both mobile and connected TV devices.
For viewers who want bundled options. ESPN notes that a Disney+. Hulu. and ESPN offering combines sports with branded and general entertainment under one streaming package.. The company says these features are available to fans who watch on the ESPN App. whether they subscribe directly or through pay TV packages with certain providers.
First Take May 8 Stephen A. Smith Skip Bayless reunion Cam’ron guest appearance Kid Mero ESPN morning debate