First Take

First Take. It is a weekday morning sports debate show broadcast on ESPN2 and a cornerstone of ESPN's daytime programming. The program features heated discussions on the day's top sports stories, primarily focused on the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and major sporting events. Known for its argumentative style and high-energy delivery, the show has become influential in shaping national sports discourse and has launched several prominent media personalities.

History

The program originated in 2007 as a replacement for the network's former morning show, Cold Pizza. Initially co-hosted by Skip Bayless and Jay Crawford, it was reformatted in 2012 to emphasize debate, pairing Bayless with Stephen A. Smith as permanent antagonists. This move, orchestrated by ESPN executive Norby Williamson, fundamentally shifted the show's tone and ratings trajectory. Following Bayless's departure to Fox Sports 1 in 2016, Max Kellerman joined Smith at the debate desk, a partnership that lasted until 2021. The show's success has spawned similar debate formats across the ESPN network and influenced programming at rival networks like Fox Sports and CBS Sports Network.

Format

The two-hour show is structured around a series of debate segments, often titled "Stephen A.'s World" or "Molly's Take," where the host moderates discussions between the lead commentators. A typical episode includes rapid-fire debates on topics ranging from Tom Brady's legacy to the latest LeBron James controversy, interspersed with interviews with athletes like Aaron Rodgers and analysts such as Michael Irvin. The "First Take" segment itself involves the commentators presenting their definitive opinions on the day's most pressing sports story. The program frequently utilizes social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to incorporate fan reactions and questions, blurring the line between television and digital content.

On-air personalities

The show is currently moderated by host Molly Qerim, who manages the flow of debate. The primary voice and driving force is Stephen A. Smith, whose loud, emphatic, and often provocative style defines the program's energy. His current regular debate partner is Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, a veteran sports radio host from WFAN. Notable former contributors include Skip Bayless, whose chemistry with Smith became legendary, and Max Kellerman, who brought a perspective influenced by boxing and hip hop culture. Frequent guest appearances are made by ESPN analysts like Kendrick Perkins, Damien Woody, and Marcus Spears, who provide insights from their playing careers in the NBA and NFL.

Reception and impact

The show has been a substantial ratings success for ESPN, consistently winning its morning time slot and driving significant traffic to the network's digital properties. It has been credited with popularizing and commercializing the modern sports debate format, moving it from sports radio into mainstream television. Industry observers note its influence on programs like Undisputed on Fox Sports 1 and Get Up on ESPN. The program's segments and soundbites are widely disseminated across YouTube, Twitter, and sports highlight shows, amplifying its cultural footprint. It has also made its hosts, particularly Stephen A. Smith, into highly paid, crossover celebrities who appear on other platforms like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Controversies

The program has frequently been at the center of debates regarding journalistic standards in sports media, with critics accusing it of prioritizing entertainment and sensationalism over analysis. Specific incidents have drawn significant backlash, such as Stephen A. Smith's 2014 comments regarding Ray Rice and domestic violence, which led to a brief suspension. The show has also faced criticism for perceived racial insensitivity in discussions about athletes like Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick. The intense, personal nature of the debates has sometimes spilled over, notably in the palpable tension between Smith and former co-host Max Kellerman, which was widely reported on by outlets like The New York Post and Deadspin before Kellerman's departure.

Category:ESPN network shows Category:American sports television series Category:2007 American television series debuts