Skip Bayless’ Undisputed hits historically low numbers with just 50,000 viewers while First Take with Shannon Sharpe averaged 486,000 viewers on the same day

Undisputed recorded only 50,000 viewers during a recent broadcast.

Skip Bayless’ Undisputed hits historically low numbers with just 50,000 viewers while First Take with Shannon Sharpe averaged 486,000 viewers on the same day

(L) Shannon Sharpe and (R) Skip Bayless (Image via IMAGO and FOX)

The downward trajectory of ‘Undisputed’ continues after Shannon Sharpe‘s exit last year. Despite being in the air for almost 7 years, its rating has taken a massive hit in recent months. While it would be harsh to only say Sharpe’s departure was the reason for its slowly degressing viewership, it’s definitely one of the top three reasons.

Host and veteran analyst Skip Bayless tried various methods to increase the popularity of the FS1 show. Bayless invited several high-profile names to the show. He also has a stellar and experienced cast of former NFL players to back him up. Super Bowl winners Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, and Richard Sherman take turns contributing.

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Despite their constant efforts, Tuesday’s episode of Undisputed drew in only 50,000 viewers. Sports Media Watch ranked it lower than its rival, and Sharpe’s show, which was an ESPN2 re-airing of ‘Get Up!’

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While Sharpe’s crew was averaging a viewership of 486,000, the Bayless-led TV show was losing out to a first-round tie for the Dubai Open tennis match on the Tennis Channel.

Undisputed is falling behind its competitors

Since Sharpe left Undisputed after the NBA finals, FOX’s show can’t seem to attract enough views like it used to. On the other hand, their direct rival, ESPN’s First Take, has seen a surge in viewership.

The network announced in January that “First Take” finished 2023 as its most-watched year in history. It saw its 17th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. The show saw an average of 611,000 viewers in December, which was only 3000 viewers short of the best. 

Skip Bayless' Undisputed hits historically low numbers with just 50,000 viewers while First Take with Shannon Sharpe averaged 486,000 viewers on the same day
NFL former player Shannon Sharpe arrives on the red carpet prior to the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. (Image via IMAGO)

Even as FOX’s other shows, like The Herd, Speak, and First Things First, managed to keep hold of their fans, Undisputed was falling behind. Colin Cowherd led the herd, which saw a 23% hike compared to December 2022. Emmanuel Acho‘s SPEAK saw a 22% rise in audience in 2022. Nick Wright‘s First Things First had the most growth out of the three, a 73% hike in viewership.

It’s interesting to see that while the network’s other shows were keeping up the pressure, Undisputed’s popularity had dwindled. It all started when Sharpe left in anger and disappointment, following Bayless’ constant unhinged verbal taunts.

During a segment of Undisputed, Bayless taunted Sharpe by saying that Tom Brady played at 45, but he retired, even though the Hall of Famer had great physical capabilities.

In all of my TV career, that probably was... I remember going home, calling my sister, calling my brother... It took a lot for me to not put my hands on him; it actually did. Why would I be jealous of Tom Brady? Once one partner has no respect for the other, the other partner then, in turn, loses respect for said partner.
Shannon Sharpe told Smith

When the two individuals used to host Undisputed together, it was among the most-watched shows on TV. But as things stand, Sharpe has left Bayless behind.

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