The FS1 show ‘Undisputed’ finally made its long-anticipated return this week after a 2-month hiatus. With 3-time Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe parting ways with the show in June, Skip Bayless was busy working on a new cast for the show. The 71-year-old analyst decided to freshen things up by making a format change on the show’s return and started the new era of ‘Undisputed’ using a debate-by-committee approach.

But it’s not a format unheard of. It has already been mastered by Skip Bayless’ long-time partner Stephen A. Smith on his ESPN show ‘First Take’. Even though Skip made up for Shannon’s absence by bringing in several famous personalities like Richard Sherman and Lil Wayne, the show’s return reportedly posed no threat to Smith’s mighty ‘First Take’.

Skip Bayless’ return does not bother Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith’s ESPN show has long been the highest-rated morning sports debate show on television. ‘First Take’ almost tripled Skip Bayless’ show in ratings even when Shannon Sharpe made his final appearance on the show in June. Shannon’s final Undisputed appearance garnered an average of 154,000 viewers, which was nothing compared to First Take’s 421,000 viewers on the same day.

Even after luring in American rapper Lil Wayne and 5-time Pro Bowl Richard Sherman, the revamped version of ‘Undisputed’ could not compete with Stephen A. Smith’s polished content. 131,000 viewers tuned in to watch Skip Bayless make his return to television. Stephen A.’s show again tripled Skip’s viewership, with 448,000 people tuning in to watch ‘First Take’.

On the first three days of the show’s return, ‘Undisputed’ faced a constant decline in viewership, with 120,000 viewers on Day 2 and just 78,000 viewers on the 3rd episode of the show. Meanwhile, ESPN’s show averaged over 400,000 viewers all three days, reasserting Stephen A.’s dominance in the format.

Skip Bayless is hopeful for Undisputed’s future

Even though Bayless could not beat his former ESPN co-host in ratings, the 71-year-old won’t be forced to close shop anytime soon. Skip has managed to gather a talented panel to replace Shannon Sharpe. Apart from adding some star power in Lil Wayne and Richard Sherman, Skip Bayless has also added talented analysts, including Rachel Nichols and Keyshawn Johnson.

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The viewers will not magically tune back in after such a huge change in the show’s format. It will take some time for the revamped show to find its rhythm and get back on track. That being said, the future looks competitive for sports show views.

Read More: Days Before NFL Kick-Off, Ex-Undisputed Host Shannon Sharpe Drops Staggering Announcement

Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith will continue to elevate his ESPN show as his viewership is set to skyrocket when Skip’s former co-host Shannon Sharpe makes his debut on ‘First Take’ later this month. Sharpe will be a part of the show for two episodes every week.

Despite Skip’s underwhelming return, fans are excited to see the FS1 show back on television. It is great to have some competition back in the morning debate show market, and both shows will try to one-up each other, providing great television for the audience.

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