Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim Rose opened the new chapter of ESPN’s signature morning debate show First Take on Sept. 6. Catch up on some of the key changes and top moments that have happened in the last few weeks.
1. HALL OF FAMER MICHAEL IRVIN EVERY MONDAY
Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin has gone head-to-head with Smith in countless unforgettable moments. Irvin has returned as a regular guest to the show joining Smith and Qerim Rose every Monday during the NFL season.
Get Ready! It’s a new day…..a new era! And look at who the first casualty is going to be 😀😀😀 pic.twitter.com/uJvXbnceSB
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 2, 2021
2. DAY ONE SHOW OPEN
The First Take team showcased the start of its new era and welcomed Irvin to the show with an incredible boxing-themed show open.
Drobniak on the opening shot:
“This shot was the first time the audience would be seeing Michael as a part of First Take. We wanted to hype up that he was going to be a fierce contender for Stephen A. and that he’s as pumped for a battle of words as he was to take the field. Michael was excited for the shoot and even ad-libed checking himself out in the mirror, which we loved and added to the script.”
3. STEPHEN A. SMITH vs. EVERYONE
As part of the new format, Smith – who has been the show’s featured commentator on a permanent basis for almost a decade – now faces new perspectives on the day’s trending topics from signature guests every episode.
.@stephenasmith wants you all to know the debate chair is open!
👀🍿 Bring it. pic.twitter.com/jCFWOJLwgD
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/MollyQerim/status/1436054848068333570?s=20
4. MOLLY QERIM ROSE DIRECTING THE CONVERSATION
With new voices, energy and the ever-changing nature of sports news, Qerim Rose – who has commanded the First Take desk since 2015 – has the continued challenge of directing the day’s conversations, live and in the moment with some of the biggest personalities in sports and entertainment passionately debating Smith in person and virtually.
5. HBCU WEDNESDAYS
First Take’s weekly initiative to highlight and celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities returned this month in addition to special virtual shows surrounding the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Southern Heritage Classic with more to come soon.
So many across First Take contribute to making these shows a success, including content producer and HBCU alumnus David McKinnon – who leads the content efforts for the HBCU specials – and senior production coordinator Elizabeth Hembekides – who works with each school for months to finalize the countless critical logistics – as well as Smith, Lewis and many more.
“Graduating from an HBCU myself (Howard University), it brings me great joy to see HBCUs being spotlighted on a national front. It’s important for a show like First Take, which also has an HBCU grad, Stephen A. Smith, to help make sure more schools like the one he graduated from get more exposure, and being on ESPN and First Take helps bring that. Personally growing up, you didn’t see HBCUs on television. Many schools weren’t funded like they are now. It’s great to see the change in how HBCUs are given more shine around the nation. We are thrilled and excited to continue the outreach and exposure so many more people, not just in the U.S., but also around the world, will know about HBCUs.”
6. TIM TEBOW FRIDAYS
Heisman trophy winner and SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow has made many memorable stops to First Take in the past.
Should be fun @stephenasmith @FirstTake pic.twitter.com/1KpBzwNGKg
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) September 6, 2021
And he continued the trend with his first three Friday appearances of the new rotation debating Smith on a variety of football topics.