Undisputed set for TV return on FS1 after Skip Bayless’ abrupt end – but future of First Take rival show unclear

UNDISPUTED looks set for a TV return soon despite Skip Bayless’ abrupt exit.

The FS1 show is scheduled to air again next week.

YouTube/UNDISPUTED

Getty

TV listings show Undisputed back in its 9:30 am Eastern slot on August 12, per TV Insider .

The debate show’s comeback comes after a week-long hiatus.

It’s unclear who will take the host’s seat, though.

Bayless , 72, confirmed his departure from FS1 after what turned out to be his last episode on August 2.

The veteran sportscaster didn’t discuss ending his eight-year run on Undisputed during the show.

But soon after it ended, he announced his exit on X.

“Today was my last show on Undisputed,” Bayless wrote .

“I’m leaving FS1. I’ve been planning to pursue other opportunities for several months.

“I had a great 8-year run with a lot of great people at Fox, but now I’m excited for what’s coming up. Stay tuned.”

Fox Sports quickly thanked Bayless for his hard work since joining from ESPN in 2016.

“The Fox Sports family thanks Skip Bayless for his outstanding contributions at FS1,” it said in a statement .

“His passion, insight, and distinctive voice have entertained audiences and captivated sports fans throughout the years.

“We wish Skip continued success in his future endeavors.”

Writing seemed to be on the wall for Bayless and Undisputed after Shannon Sharpe left last year.

Last Take

Skip Bayless sent shock waves through the sports media when he announced he is leaving FS1 show Undisputed after eight years.

Last year he lost his FS1 sparring partner Shannon Sharpe to ESPN’s First Take.

And that has thrown open the possibility of Bayless following Sharpe to ESPN in a shock return.

Bayless previously worked for ESPN for 12 years and sat opposite Stephen A. Smith.

But an ESPN spokesperson said, “We are set with the current ‘ First Take ’ rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors.”

Skip and Shannon launched the show together in 2016.

But the NFL great parted ways with Skip as tension started to arise between the two co-hosts.

Undisputed returned with a refreshed format and a new cast a couple of months later.

Keyshawn Johnson , Richard Sherman, and Michael Irvin joined Bayless on the set before Paul Pierce and Rachel Nichols joined in as guest NBA analysts.

Lil Wayne , who composed a new theme song, also started making frequent appearances.

But Undisputed couldn’t compete with ESPN’s First Take in the battle for viewers.