"Undisputed" is the best-known show on FS1, but the program is facing the most uncertainty it ever has during its seven-year run to date.
Currently, the show is on an extended hiatus from the network as the Fox Sports team assesses what to do with it next.
There isn't any doubt that it will continue to be headed by Skip Bayless. What is in question is who will be his counterpart on the show after Shannon Sharpe's relatively quick exit from it.
MORE: Why did Shannon Sharpe leave Undisputed?
Here's what to know about the drama surrounding "Undisputed" and why it will be off the air long-term.
What happened to Undisputed?
"Undisputed" is currently on a two-month hiatus that was announced by FS1 and Bayless. The program has targeted a return date of Aug. 28, just in time for NFL season, as Bayless pointed out on Twitter.
LeBron isn’t the only one in the lab this summer. Can’t wait to unveil Undisputed just in time for football season. https://t.co/fpARm04FJu
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 5, 2023See AlsoThe End of 'Undisputed': A Timeline of the Tension Between Skip Bayless and Shannon SharpeThree Different Landing Spots for Skip Bayless After Leaving 'Undisputed'Shannon Sharpe Says Skip Bayless' 'Disrespect' Caused 'Undisputed' ExitShannon Sharpe 'lost relationships' because of Fox drama with Skip Bayless
But why is "Undisputed" off the air? According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, the network's strategy "was driven by Bayless and FS1 management’s inability to find a replacement for Shannon Sharpe."
Sharpe left "Undisputed" on June 13, 2023, after having been a part of the show since it debuted in 2016. Sharpe's exit was reportedly induced by his tense relationship with Bayless; the two sparred on air frequently as part of the show, but there seemed to be legitimate animosity between the two at times.
Either way,Sharpe's exit left FS1 in a bit of a predicament, as a source explained to McCarthy.
“Shannon’s exit moved way faster than they expected. So they had no choice but to go on hiatus,” the source said, before adding that Bayless isn't happy about the break.
"Skip has never done anything like this during all his years at FS1 or ESPN. Not being on the air during all these NBA moves is killing him."
Replacing Sharpe is no easy task. Not only was he a strong fit alongside Bayless, he was one of the few that was willing to work with the former "First Take" star, as McCarthy explained.
Not many on-air talents want to take the hot seat opposite the domineering Bayless. To make matters worse, Bayless has the final say on everything internally at 'Undisputed.'
As such, that has complicated the search for talent to complement Bayless. It also has left others wondering why Fox Sports wasn't willing to do damage control and try to retain Sharpe.
"This was so dumb. They had the best (partner),” a source told McCarthy. "There are three stars in morning debate: Skip, Stephen A. [Smith] and Shannon. And Fox had two of them."
MORE: Sharpe, Bayless give tearful goodbyes in last 'Undisputed' episode together
Skip Bayless' new partner candidates for 'Undisputed'
With Sharpe out and Stephen A. Smith seemingly unlikely to depart ESPN — lest he becomes one of the company's latest layoffs — Fox will have to look elsewhere to find a foil for Bayless.
Which analysts are among the potential options to take on that role? McCarthy mentioned that Smith would likely be Bayless' dream partner but outlined a handful of other analysts who will draw consideration for the role.
Keyshawn Johnson
Johnson was among ESPN's recent layoffs and would be a natural fit across from Bayless. He has experience hosting ESPN radio shows and appearing on "First Take" and "Get Up," so he would be able to hold his own with the fiery Bayless.
Max Kellerman
Kellerman was tapped as Bayless' successor on ESPN's "First Take" after Bayless initially left the network to join FS1. Could Kellerman follow Bayless' path and team up with him? That remains possible after he was among ESPN's most notable layoffs.
LeSean McCoy
Of course, FS1 could opt to find an internal replacement for Sharpe. McCoy is one of the cohosts on FS1's "Speak" and like Sharpe enjoyed a long, decorated NFL career. McCoy has only been on-air at Fox Sports since September of 2022, but if the network believes he is a rising star, they could give him a shot to work with Bayless.
MORE:More potential Shannon Sharpe replacement candidates
Emmanuel Acho
Acho is the other former NFL player who cohosts "Speak." He is a dynamic and engaging media personality and is known for having scorching hot takes, especially about the Tua Tagovailoa vs. Justin Herbert debate. That would make him a natural sparring partner for the also-headstrong Bayless.
Joy Taylor
Yes, all of the hosts of "Speak" will draw consideration for this role. Taylor has the benefit of having worked as the moderator on "Undisputed" in the past, so she may already have something of a rhythm with Bayless. She has been as FS1 since March of 2016 as well, so her history with the company and experience on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" may make her the most qualified internal replacement option for the show.
Nick Wright
Can you imagine Wright and Bayless going back and forth in a debate setting? It may drive some crazy, but it could be a ratings boon for FS1 — especially if the two talk about LeBron James. Wright currently cohosts FS1's "First Things First" and has also been with the network since 2016, so he has the requisite experience needed to host the popular program.
Charles Barkley
It doesn't seem likely that Barkley would TNT to work with Bayless, who he has openly derided in the past, but Bayless expressed an interest in working with Barkley. In fact, he made a plea for the Round Mound of Rebound to join him as his full-time debate partner on his podcast.
"Please, please, please, Charles, come be this damn ‘idiot’s’ debate partner," Bayless said. "Please let me annihilate you on a daily basis. Ten times per show. Let me make barbecue chicken out of you."
Chuck vs. Skip would certainly make for entertaining TV, but that doesn't seem likely to happen by any stretch.
