ESPN First Take

When First Take is on, it's on. This is still one of the most entertaining and high-octane sports debate shows on TV. Stephen A. Smith brings the fire, Shannon Sharpe adds soul and energy, and the rotating panel keeps the show fresh and unpredictable. But the true backbone - the one who keeps the chaos in check - is Molly Qerim.

Molly Qerim: The Glue That Holds It Together

Let's not understate her role. Molly Qerim is the steady hand in a hurricane of hot takes. She knows when to guide the conversation, when to push back, and when to just let Stephen A. And Shannon cook. She brings professionalism, poise, and subtle sharpness to the table - and without her, the show would risk spiraling into noise. She doesn't just moderate; she elevates.

The Show's Strengths: Stephen A. Smith remains the main event - insightful, dramatic, theatrical, and always engaged.

Shannon Sharpe is the perfect foil: passionate, funny, and grounded in Hall of Fame experience.

Guest contributors keep things from getting stale, whether it's NFL, NBA, or pop culture crossover.

And Molly, again, deserves credit for keeping the wheels on without stealing focus.

The Weak Spots:

Let's keep it honest - Too much LeBron James and Dallas Cowboys talk. At times it feels like First Take should be called "The LeBron-Cowboys Hour." There's a whole sports universe out there, and when they explore it, the show really shines.

Final Word:

First Take is still must-watch sports TV. It's got the drama, the personality, and the passion. With Stephen A. And Shannon lighting the fire, and Molly making sure it doesn't burn down the set, the show balances entertainment and insight better than most.

8 out of 10. A few less Cowboys takes, a little more sports variety - and it could easily hit 9.

All I can say is Skip Bayless carried and invented this show and since he left this show struggles to be relevant.

First Take is another show on ESPN about nothing. We see an entire weekend of excellent sports, but get no highlights on Monday, or Tuesday etc.... All these guys do is talk. They make up silly debates and just talk about it. They'll say, "Can the Warriors win while Curry is recovering from an ankle sprain?" Then for 6 minutes one person will say yes they can, and another person will say, no they cannot.

It's just silly banter I'll also never understand why they are talking about basketball and trades etc.. during baseball season. It's a very biased show and whatever the topic is about is based on what Stephen A. Wants to talk about. Show some highlights!

Wow this show and the host suck so bad. NBA talk in August that's entertaining.

No MLB, No College Football, No NHL. Dude makes more than most NHL players contracts. Wow...Show a disgrace to any fan who has sports knowledge.

The louder you yell the more Knowledge you have right?

Max least knew Boxing. But show was always a flop.

... and I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan! Smith's commentary, especially on football - and maybe I say that because this is the sport in which I'm really interested - is very insightful. His commentary can be stinging. And he has a real gift for showmanship every time the Dallas Cowboys lose a game. He has a great supporting cast in Max Kellerman and in Will Cain, Texan and Cowboys fan.

And finally, something that may speak of Stephen A.'s talent in music more than knowledge of sports - he has come up with the only song I've heard written in the 21st century that is worth listening to - his Dallas Cowboys song - "What Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong".