First Take is a daily sports talk show that has aired on ESPN since 2007. The program evolved from a segment on the variety morning show Cold Pizza, which began in 2003, before rebranding and moving its production from New York to ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. In 2017, the show made a high-profile move from ESPN2 to the main ESPN channel to anchor the network’s morning lineup, eventually returning its production to New York City in 2018.
The program’s format is defined by a “moderator and analysts” structure, where the host introduces trending topics for the commentators to debate. While it historically featured two permanent opposing voices, the show underwent a major shift in 2021 toward an ensemble format. This current style features a rotating desk of high-profile contributors who challenge the lead analyst, ensuring a fresh variety of perspectives and expertise depending on the sport in season.
A significant era of the show concluded in late 2025 with the departure of long-time host Molly Qerim, who had moderated the program for a decade. Following a series of on-air tryouts, the show transitioned into a new chapter with a permanent change at the moderator desk. Shae Cornette currently serves as the host of the program, having officially taken the chair on November 3, 2025.
Cornette moderates the fiery exchanges led by the show’s featured commentator and executive producer, Stephen A. Smith. The broadcast frequently features a roster of elite analysts and contributors, including Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Marcus Spears, Dan Orlovsky, Kimberley A. Martin, and Ryan Clark, as well as regular news updates from insiders like Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst.
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