ESPN’s dynamic morning debate show, First Take, enters an exciting new chapter with Shae Cornette officially stepping into the host role, promising a fresh energy and continued engaging sports commentary alongside veteran Stephen A. Smith, following the departure of longtime host Molly Qerim.
ESPN has officially announced Shae Cornette as the new permanent host of its flagship morning debate show, First Take. This highly anticipated move comes after Cornette’s successful tenure as a fill-in host for the signature program over the past several years, culminating in her official debut on November 3rd, according to a report by Variety.
Cornette steps into a prominent role, sharing the spotlight with featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith. The announcement marks a significant transition for the show, which has been a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming for years.
Cornette’s Proven Path to the Hosting Chair
Since joining ESPN in 2020, Shae Cornette has established herself as a recognizable and respected voice across the network’s platforms. Her extensive experience includes being a longstanding anchor on Sportscenter and a consistent presence across ESPN’s studio programming and radio shows.
Her dynamic presence, profound knowledge of sports, and confident command of conversation have made her an ideal fit for the fast-paced, opinion-driven environment of First Take. These qualities were keenly observed during her various fill-in stints, preparing her for this significant promotion.
David Roberts, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment, underscored Cornette’s qualifications, stating, “Shae is meticulous in her preparation, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point.” He further added that her professionalism, presence, and energy make her an “ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.” This sentiment was echoed in an announcement on Front Office Sports.
Stephen A. Smith’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
A key figure in the First Take ecosystem, Stephen A. Smith, expressed his immense excitement about Cornette officially joining the team. As both a featured commentator and executive producer, Smith’s endorsement holds significant weight.
Smith highlighted the demanding nature of the hosting role, stating, “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
Cornette herself conveyed her readiness and enthusiasm for the new challenge. “I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is,” Cornette said. “From my days in radio to hosting Sportscenter and now First Take, my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge, and opportunity. First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”
The Departure of Molly Qerim and the Transition
Shae Cornette’s appointment follows the unexpected departure of longtime host Molly Qerim last month. Qerim had been a staple of First Take for over a decade, taking over from Cari Champion in 2015. Her exit took many fans by surprise, and her decision fueled considerable speculation within the sports media community.
In her social media statement, Qerim expressed gratitude for her time on the show, writing, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.” She emphasized her privilege of sharing the desk with brilliant, passionate voices and thanked the fans for their support. The New York Post confirmed details of her departure.
Following Qerim’s exit, ESPN reportedly tested a diverse group of candidates to find the right fit for the dynamic talk show, including Amna Smith, MJ Acosta, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh, before ultimately settling on Cornette due to her consistent performance and chemistry with the existing team.
The departure of Qerim also sparked industry chatter regarding the reasons behind her decision. Veteran ESPN broadcaster Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo claimed Qerim might have felt ‘embarrassed’ by a possible removal from First Take, suggesting the network might have wanted to try something different. Marcellus Wiley, a former ESPN star, also claimed Qerim felt ‘disrespected’ by her salary in comparison to Stephen A. Smith’s reported $20 million-a-year contract.
What This Means for First Take’s Future
Cornette’s transition signifies a continued evolution for First Take. Fans can expect her established rapport with Stephen A. Smith to maintain the show’s lively and engaging debate format. Her comprehensive knowledge and dynamic presence are poised to further solidify First Take‘s standing as a leading voice in sports commentary.
Shae Cornette will conclude her Sportscenter anchor responsibilities later this month, with her final show scheduled for October 25th, fully dedicating her focus to her new role on First Take starting November 3rd. This new chapter promises to bring fresh perspectives and continued passionate discussion to weekday mornings for sports enthusiasts.
