Stephen A. Smith Vows to Shut Down Any Attempt to Downplay Michael Jordan on ‘First Take’

Stephen A. Smith is not backing down in the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate. In fact, he just fired another shot at ...
The Hollywood Reporter

ESPN’s ‘First Take’ Marks 12 Months of Year-to-Year Ratings Growth (Exclusive)

The morning show's July audience was up 26 percent vs. the same month in 2022. By Rick Porter Television Business Editor ESPN‘s First Take wrapped July with a double-digit ratings gain over the same ...

Stephen A. Smith calls for ESPN to re-hire former ‘First Take’ co-host

Ever since the departure of former “First Take” co-host Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith has worked with a rotating group of guest analysts on ESPN’s hit show. But Smith is ready to see that come to ...
The Big Lead

Meet Shae Cornette, ESPN’s ‘First Take’ replacement for Molly Qerim

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Several weeks after long-time ...

Skip Bayless reunites with Stephen A. Smith on 'First Take,' immediately begins LeBron James hate

After 10 years away, Skip Bayless made his triumphant(?) return to ESPN’s “First Take.” Joining him on the program was none other than Stephen A. Smith, who verbally sparred with Bayless on the show ...
The New York Times

ESPN says ‘First Take’ will have 30 to 45-day tryout for new host to replace Molly Qerim

ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told The Athletic on Thursday that the company will take 30 to 45 days to try out a variety of people for the “First Take” hosting role that had been filled by ...

ESPN's 'first' mom shares for parents how she holds it all together

"We really don't have a strong offseason in our house," Shae Cornette says. She shares how she and her husband balance sports, their hectic TV life.
Sports Illustrated

First Take's Stephen A. Smith And Shannon Sharpe 'Showed Up & Showed Out' At Howard University

ESPN's First Take "Showed Up and Showed Out" on Howard University's campus for its first HBCU stop of the 2024 football season. Popular co-hosts and HBCU alums Shannon Sharpe (Pro Football Hall of ...
Awful Announcing

ESPN’s revamped First Take will feature rotating co-hosts including Michael Irvin and Tim Tebow

After Max Kellerman’s departure (rumored to be at the behest of Stephen A. Smith) and a few weeks of Michael Irvin speculation, ESPN announced their revamped format for First Take. Debuting September ...
Heavy.com

Molly Qerim Reacts to Shocking ESPN First Take News

Veteran sportscaster Molly Qerim has confirmed reports that she will leave “ESPN First Take” at the end of 2025. Qerim noted on Instagram that she didn’t want her departure to be leaked by a ...
Heavy.com

Stephen A. Smith Sends Message About New ‘First Take’ Cohost

ESPN has officially named Shae Cornette as the new host of First Take, replacing longtime anchor Molly Qerim just days before the NBA season tips off, Front Office Sports reports. Cornette will join ...
Awful Announcing

First Take will permanently move to ESPN’s New York studios as of September 3, while afternoon specials saw audience gains

Putting studio programming in New York instead of Bristol has long been a topic of discussion around ESPN, with that initially announced as the plan for Mike and Mike in May 2015 (along with the ...