First Take
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| First Take | |
|---|---|
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| Show name | First Take |
| Genre | Sports talk |
| Presented by | Stephen A. Smith; Max Kellerman; Molly Qerim |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Network | ESPN |
| First aired | 2007 |
First Take First Take is an American sports talk television program combining debate, analysis, and interviews featuring commentators and analysts. The program features live discussion, viewer interaction, and guest interviews centered on major events in National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, UFC, and NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship seasons. Broadcast on ESPN and produced alongside programs such as SportsCenter and Pardon the Interruption, the show has become a platform for personalities noted for outspoken opinion and televised debate.
Overview
First Take presents a panel format where hosts and contributors debate topical issues in Super Bowl LVII season threads, NBA Finals narratives, and World Series developments, often referencing figures like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, and Lionel Messi. The program intermingles analysis of events such as the FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon Championships, and Olympic Games with storytelling about franchises including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees, and Dallas Cowboys. Segments frequently involve commentary on controversies tied to personalities such as Colin Kaepernick, Aaron Rodgers, Conor McGregor, and Serena Williams.
Format and segments
Typical episodes feature a moderator and two or more debaters engaging in rounds like "Topics" and "Hate or Love," mirroring formats used in shows like The Dan Patrick Show and The Jim Rome Show. Segments include opening monologues, rapid-fire debates, interview blocks with guests from National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, and collegiate athletics, and viewer interaction through social media platforms tied to Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Special editions coincide with marquee events such as the NFL Draft, NBA Draft, March Madness, and award shows like the Heisman Trophy and Ballon d'Or.
History and development
Launched in 2007 during a period of expansion for ESPN programming, the show evolved from debate-driven formats and drew inspiration from predecessors in sports media like Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption. Early contributors with backgrounds linked to outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated helped shape its editorial voice. Over time, shifts in on-air talent mirrored trends in cable television debates exemplified by programs on CNN, FOX News Channel, and MSNBC, while collaborations and crossovers involved athletes and analysts associated with FOX Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, and international broadcasters.
Notable moments and controversies
The program has featured contentious exchanges and viral moments involving figures like Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless, Max Kellerman, Molly Qerim, and guests such as Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Cam Newton, and Shaquille O'Neal. Episodes sparked debate over hot-button topics including player protests linked to Colin Kaepernick, health and safety discussions referencing Concussion (film), and contract disputes involving LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Broadcast segments have led to advertiser reactions and corporate commentary involving entities like Walt Disney Company, Comcast, AT&T, and regulatory scrutiny reminiscent of incidents associated with Federal Communications Commission debates in sports media.
Hosts and guest contributors
Primary hosts and contributors have included personalities from varied backgrounds: sports columnists from The Athletic and ESPN The Magazine, former professional athletes from National Basketball Association and National Football League, and broadcasters with ties to Barstool Sports and regional networks such as YES Network and NBC Sports Bay Area. Regular figures have included analysts with connections to high-profile events like the NBA All-Star Game, Pro Bowl, and international competitions hosted by FIFA and the International Olympic Committee.
Reception and impact
First Take's confrontational style influenced debate programming across sports media, prompting responses from shows on FOX Sports 1, Bleacher Report Live, and digital platforms such as The Ringer and Barstool Sports. The program's hosts have been cited in mainstream outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and ESPN.com for shaping public discourse around athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles. Its ratings performance has affected scheduling decisions within ESPN and been compared to prime-time programming strategies used by NBC, ABC, and CBS.
International versions and distribution
Internationally, the show's format and clips circulate via broadcasters and streaming partners linked to BT Sport, DAZN, Sky Sports, and regional ESPN affiliates in markets such as United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Syndication and digital distribution involve partnerships with platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and regional rights holders such as TSN and TSN2, while licensed excerpts appear on international sports programs covering events like the UEFA Champions League and Rugby World Cup.
Category:ESPN original programming Category:American sports television series