In a recent interview on Bloomberg’s The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly, Stephen A. Smith addressed the ongoing ratings battle between ESPN’s First Take and FS1’s Undisputed, acknowledging the significant gap in viewership between the two shows.
Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in how he's destroyed Skip Bayless in ratings since the pair went their separate ways. ⬇️https://t.co/RCQnkOf5FQ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 12, 2024
Reflecting on his journey as a co-host on First Take, Smith expressed gratitude towards Skip Bayless for elevating the show’s profile when they worked together. However, when asked about the current ratings competition, Smith didn’t mince words.
“Me,” Smith asserted confidently when questioned about who’s winning the ratings war. “Not even close.”
Despite First Take’s evident lead over Undisputed, Smith emphasized that he takes no joy in the stark contrast.
“I want Skip to be successful,” he admitted.
Smith elaborated on the disparity, revealing that recent ratings victories for First Take have been by a significant margin, indicating a trend of dominance.
“It’s been very, very lopsided,” he remarked.
The decline in Undisputed’s viewership became particularly evident following the departure of Shannon Sharpe last summer. Despite efforts to revamp the show with notable additions like Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, and Richard Sherman, Bayless has struggled to regain momentum.
Recent data highlights the disparity starkly. On the morning of the NFL Draft, Undisputed garnered a mere 45,000 viewers. In comparison First Take averaged an impressive 482,000 viewers for the month of April alone, underscoring a substantial lead for ESPN’s flagship program.
While Smith acknowledged his desire to be number one, he also recognized the evolving landscape of television.
“I wake up every day with two thoughts in my mind. How do I make my bosses more money, and how do I get some of it?” he quipped.
With both Smith and Bayless approaching the end of their contracts, the contrast in their respective positions is evident. While Smith’s value is peaking amid First Take’s continued success, Bayless faces the challenge of revitalizing Undisputed’s appeal in the face of declining ratings.
Although Smith may not be actively seeking to deliver a knockout blow to his former partner, the data suggests that the competitive landscape has already shifted decisively in his favor, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two iconic sports pundits.
