Undisputed (TV series)

Last updated
Undisputed
FS1 Undisputed.png
Genre Talk show
Starring
Theme music composer Lil Wayne
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Production locationsFox Network Center (Fox Studio Lot Building 101), 10201 W Pico Blvd, Century City, Los Angeles, California
Running time150 minutes
Original release
Network Fox Sports 1
ReleaseSeptember 6, 2016 (2016-09-06) 
August 2, 2024 (2024-08-02)

Undisputed is an American sports talk show program broadcast by Fox Sports 1 from 2016 to 2024. Episodes aired live Monday through Friday from 9:30 am EST until noon. The show was broadcast from the Fox Network Center in the Century City neighborhood and business district of Los Angeles, California.

Contents

History

Logo during Shannon Sharpe's tenure on the show (2016-2023) Skip and Shannon Undisputed.jpeg
Logo during Shannon Sharpe's tenure on the show (2016–2023)

The series premiered on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) on September 6, 2016. [1] [2]

On June 13, 2023, one day after that year’s NBA Finals ended, co-host Shannon Sharpe officially announced that it would be his final episode co-hosting the show with Skip Bayless. [3] Soon after the show went on a brief hiatus the following month. [4] In late August the show returned with a brand new cast featuring former NFL Stars Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Michael Irvin alongside Bayless. [5] [6]

On August 2, 2024, Skip Bayless announced that it would be his final episode of Undisputed and that he would be leaving Fox Sports. On August 5, 2024, FS1 began showing reruns of The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First in Undisputed's time slot with the fate of the show unknown. [7] A week later, it was confirmed that Undisputed had been cancelled by FS1. [8]

Cast

Host (full-time)

Frequent & past guest analysts

Theme song

The show's opening theme song, "No Mercy", was recorded by American rapper Lil Wayne, a friend of Bayless' and a frequent guest from his former ESPN show First Take . The song was written and produced by Jared Gutstadt, president and CCO of Jingle Punks Music, which had partnered with Fox Sports prior to the show's launch. The full-length version of "No Mercy" was released by Cash Money Records to iTunes in September 2016, and Lil Wayne appeared on Undisputed's inaugural episode on September 6 and has since regularly made guest appearances. [25] In 2023, Lil Wayne released the new opening theme song for the revamped Undisputed called "Good Morning". [26]

Viewership

Undisputed averaged 107,000 viewers per episode from September 9 to December 31, 2016, and 155,000 viewers during 2017, representing a 45% increase in viewership. [27]

During July 24–28 of that year, it averaged 136,000 viewers, 65,000 of which were adults in the 18–49 years of age range. Compared to competing weekday morning sports programs in the same time slot, it outdrew ESPN2's edition of Sportscenter (117,000) but fell behind First Take (320,000) in overall viewership. [28]

In 2018, Undisputed averaged 165,000 viewers, and in 2019 through August 9, 2019), averaged 169,000 viewers. [29] [30] In 2021, the show averaged 199,000 viewers during the month of October, which beat the show's previous October peak of 182,000 viewers in 2019 and granting the show its most successful October to date. [31] [32]

As of November 2022, the series' highest-rated broadcast occurred following FS1's English language telecast of England vs Iran, when the show averaged 499,000 viewers. [33] [34]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyshawn Johnson</span> American football player (born 1972)

Joseph Keyshawn Johnson is an American former football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shannon Sharpe</span> American football player and sports analyst (born 1968)

Shannon Sharpe is an American former professional football tight end who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Denver Broncos. Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, he ranks third in tight end receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was also the first NFL tight end to amass over 10,000 receiving yards. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skip Bayless</span> American sports columnist and commentator (born 1951)

Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 show First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which he left in June 2016. Bayless debuted his show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 on September 6, 2016, which he led for eight years until he left on August 2, 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Nichols (journalist)</span> American sports journalist

Rachel Michele Nichols is an American journalist and sportscaster. She has covered the National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), professional tennis, college sports, the Olympics and is most notable for her work with the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 2014, Sports Illustrated called Nichols "the country's most impactful and prominent female sports journalist".

1st and 10 was a sports talk and debate television program spun off from ESPN2's Cold Pizza morning show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fox Sports 1</span> American sports-oriented cable and satellite television channel

Fox Sports 1 (FS1) is an American pay television channel owned by the Fox Sports Media Group, a unit of Fox Corporation.

Rob Parker is an American sports anchor for WXYZ-TV and WMYD and a former contributor to Fox Sports 1's show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed. Prior to that, he was a sports columnist for ClickOnDetroit.com and a regular commentator on WDIV-TV's Sunday night sports show. Parker previously served as a sports columnist for The Detroit News and was a member of ESPN'S First Take program. Parker currently co-hosts The Odd Couple on Fox Sports Radio with Chris Broussard.

<i>First Take</i> (talk show) Sports talk show broadcast by ESPN

First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on ESPN2 and from 2 to 4 pm ET on ESPNews.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Broussard</span> American sports analyst and commentator (born 1968)

Christopher Dana Broussard is an American sports analyst and commentator for Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports Radio. Best known for his coverage of the NBA, he is now a co-host on FS1's afternoon show First Things First, as well as co-host of The Odd Couple with Rob Parker on Fox Sports Radio. Previously, he worked for The New York Times, ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, and made appearances on ESPN's SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, First Take, and NBA Fastbreak as an analyst.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jen Hale</span> American sports reporter

Jennifer Hale is an American journalist working for Fox Sports as an NFL sideline reporter where she is currently paired with Chris Myers and Robert Smith. She also covers NBA's New Orleans Pelicans for Bally Sports New Orleans and also covers college football for Fox Sports. She was a substitute host on the Fox Sports 1 shows Skip and Shannon: Undisputed and Lock It In before becoming the full-time moderator for Undisputed in 2022 to 2023. She has covered The Basketball Tournament for ESPN as well as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She also worked as a sideline reporter for TNT's coverage of the first round of the 2017 NBA playoffs.

<i>Fox NFL Kickoff</i> Television series

Fox NFL Kickoff is an American sports television program that originally debuted on FS1 on September 8, 2013, and moved to Fox on September 13, 2015, and serves as the secondary pre-game show for the network's National Football League (NFL) game telecasts under the NFL on Fox brand.

Joy Allison Taylor is an American media personality and television host for Fox Sports 1. She co-hosts the Fox Sports 1 show "Speak" with LeSean McCoy and Emmanuel Acho. Taylor was the news update anchor on Fox Sports 1's The Herd with Colin Cowherd and the host of The Joy Taylor Show Saturdays on Fox Sports Radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jenny Taft</span> American sports television personality (born 1987)

Jenny Taft is an American sports television personality who works as a lead college football sideline reporter on Fox broadcasts. Her broadcasting career began with the Fox Sports North (FSN) regional affiliate. Taft is also a pit reporter for BattleBots on the Discovery Channel and served as the moderator on Fox Sports 1's Undisputed.

Nick Wright is an American sports television personality, sports podcaster, and former sports radio talk show host. Wright is a co-host on Fox Sports 1's First Things First (FTF) alongside Kevin Wildes and Chris Broussard. Wright also hosts his podcast What's Wright? with Nick Wright with Damonza Byrd.

<i>First Things First</i> (talk show) Sports talk show broadcast by FS1

First Things First is an American sports and entertainment talk show starring Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes. Originally titled First Things First with Cris Carter and Nick Wright, the series premiered on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) on September 5, 2017. The show is also released as a podcast and radio simulcast.

<i>Whats Wright? with Nick Wright</i> American sports podcast

What's Wright? with Nick Wright is an American sports podcast and YouTube series. Hosted by sportscaster Nick Wright and co-hosted by his son Damonza Byrd, the series premiered on March 15, 2022.

Club Shay Shay is an American podcast hosted by sports analyst and former NFL player Shannon Sharpe. It is co-produced by The Volume and Shay Shay media, and airs once a week. On the podcast, Sharpe interviews athletes and celebrities about current events, sports, and pop culture. Episodes of the podcast are filmed, and the video format is released on the show's YouTube channel.

<i>Breakfast Ball</i> Sports talk show broadcast by FS1

Breakfast Ball is an American sports and entertainment talk show starring Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth. The series premiered on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) on August 26, 2024.

<i>The Facility</i> Sports talk show broadcast by FS1

The Facility is an American sports and entertainment talk show starring Emmanuel Acho, Chase Daniel, James Jones, and LeSean McCoy; all four hosts are former National Football League (NFL) players. The series premiered on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) on September 3, 2024.

References

  1. "'Most hated man in sports' tries to get viewers to love Fox". Chicago Tribune. 2016-09-06. Retrieved 2016-09-11.
  2. "Skip Bayless rising early, promises 'deeper' debate for new Fox Sports 1 show". LA Times. 2016-08-29. Retrieved 2016-09-11.
  3. Chavkin, Daniel (June 13, 2023). "Shannon Sharpe tears up while thanking Skip Bayless on the final episode". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  4. Price, Joe (July 7, 2023). "Undisputed 2-Month Hiatus to Find Skip Bayless New Co-Host After Shannon Sharpe's Departure". Complex . Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  5. Rasmussen, Karl (August 21, 2023). "Skip Bayless Announces Undisputed's New Dream Team; Date of Next Episode". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  6. "Undisputed returns Monday, unveils new lineup featuring Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson". Fox Sports . August 27, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  7. Yoder, Matt. "Questions remain if 'Undisputed' will return to the FS1 lineup". Awful Announcing.
  8. Axelrod, Ben. "Danny Parkins and Emmanuel Acho to reportedly join FS1's morning lineup; 'Undisputed' won't return". Awful Announcing.
  9. "Skip Bayless Bio & Career Accomplishments". Fox Sports . Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  10. Mendoza, Jordan (June 13, 2023). "Shannon Sharpe tears up in emotional goodbye to 'Undisputed,' Skip Bayless". USA Today .
  11. "Keyshawn Johnson will join FS1's 'Undisputed' as Skip Bayless' new co-host, per reports". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  12. "Paul Pierce likely joining FS1's 'Undisputed' with Skip Bayless". nypost.com. 2024-03-11. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  13. "Michael Irvin reaches deal to join Undisputed". NBC Sports. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  14. McDaniel, Mike (August 9, 2023). "Rachel Nichols to join FS1's 'Undisputed' with Skip Bayless, per Report". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  15. Horton, Ari (August 28, 2023). "Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman Makes Debut On 'Undisputed'". Seahawks.com . Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  16. Contes, Brandon (April 29, 2024). "Richard Sherman returns to 'Undisputed' for first time since DUI arrest". Awful Announcing. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  17. Hernandez, Ernest (August 4, 2023). "Skip Bayless confirms lakers fan Lil Wayne to co-host 'Undisputed' after Shannon Sharpe exit".
  18. Novak, Chris (August 30, 2023). "Josina Anderson to join FS1's Undisputed Cast". awfulannouncing.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  19. Maglio, Tony (June 7, 2018). "Joy Taylor leaves FS1's Skip and Shannon for 'The Herd'; Jenny Taft Named New Undisputed Moderator". thewrap.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  20. "Jennifer Hale Bio & Career Accomplishments". Fox Sports . Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  21. Contes, Brandon (2023-08-28). "Skip Bayless relegated to being Undisputed's moderator". Awful Announcing. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
  22. "Chris Broussard Bio & Career Accomplishments". Fox Sports . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  23. "Rob Parker – Fox Sports Press Pass". FoxSports.com. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  24. London, Adam (February 22, 2018). "Eddie House Destroys Lebron James For Quitting In 2011 NBA Finals". NESN.com. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  25. Platon, Adelle (August 31, 2016). "Lil Wayne Helms Theme Song for Fox Sports' 'Skip and Shannon: Undisputed': Exclusive". Billboard . Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  26. Lamarre, Carl (August 29, 2023). "Lil Wayne Pens New Theme Song 'Good Morning' for Skip Bayless Sports Show Undisputed". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  27. Brown, Maury (January 19, 2018). "How Are Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd And Jason Whitlock Doing In The Ratings?". Forbes . Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  28. Pucci, Douglas (August 5, 2017). "Ratings: 'Undisputed' on FS1 Outdraws Weekday-Morning 'SportsCenter' on ESPN2 for Two Consecutive Weeks". Awful Announcing. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  29. "Skip Bayless 'still fighting' after three years at Fox". Newsday. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
  30. Brown, Maury (May 10, 2018). "FS1, Undisputed Ratings Up, But Are Skip Bayless And Colin Cowherd Worth It?". Forbes.com. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  31. "Ratings - "Foxtober" Delivers Record Numbers and Key Gains Across Linear and Digital Platforms | TheFutonCritic.com". www.thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  32. Staff, S. V. G. (2021-11-12). "Ratings Roundup: Packers-Chiefs Without Aaron Rodgers on Fox Tops NFL Week 9; NBA Viewership Increases From 2020-21 Regular Season Average". Sports Video Group. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  33. "Ratings: World Cup, NBA, college hoops and more". Sports Media Watch. 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  34. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Monday 11.21.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". ShowBuzzDaily. 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2022-12-12.

Further reading