Overview
- The reunion episode, which aired Friday, May 9, averaged 647,000 viewers, up 24% versus First Take’s 2026 average and 44% year over year, according to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel and ESPN confirmation.
- ESPN’s social channels logged about 33.5 million impressions, 22 million video views, and 1.1 million engagements from the show’s segments, reflecting weeks of promotion by both hosts.
- ESPN declined to say whether Skip Bayless will return, as trade outlets reported speculation about a part-time contributor slot similar to Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s recurring role.
- The one-day surge lands as Get Up is up 18% this year and The Pat McAfee Show is up 16%, while First Take is up about 5%, sharpening questions about the show’s rotating-guest format.
- Coverage noted recent sexual misconduct allegations tied to Bayless, and separate reporting said a return for former panelist Shannon Sharpe is not under consideration, underscoring ESPN’s caution on controversial rehires.