ESPN Taps Shae Cornette To Replace Molly Qerim On ‘First Take’
Well, folks, the revolving door at ESPN’s “First Take” has finally stopped spinning, and the new sheriff in town has a name: Shae Cornette. That’s right, after a month-long, on-air audition that felt more dramatic than a season of “The Bachelor,” ESPN has officially handed Cornette the keys to the kingdom, or at least the moderator’s chair next to the always-boisterous Stephen A. Smith.
What Led To An Opening On ‘First Take’
Let’s be real, filling Molly Qerim’s shoes was never going to be an easy gig. Qerim wasn’t just a host; she was the calm in the eye of the hurricane, the traffic cop who somehow kept Smith from flying off into the stratosphere daily. After a decade of wrangling debates, and looking impossibly chic while doing it, she made an exit so abrupt it left everyone’s head spinning. One minute, reports are leaking about a year-end departure; the next, she’s posting a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram and vanishing from our screens. It was a classic “it’s not you, it’s me” breakup, but with a multi-million dollar television show.
In the chaotic aftermath, ESPN paraded a lineup of hopefuls through the studio. It was a who’s who of on-air talent, all vying for the chance to play mediator between sports media’s biggest personalities. But in the end, it was Cornette who got the rose.
Why Cornette Got the Nod
Shae Cornette will replace Molly Qerim as the new host of ESPN’s First Take, per @FOS pic.twitter.com/cxF5AGBvBw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 16, 2025
So, who is Shae Cornette? She’s no rookie, that’s for sure. A regular on “SportsCenter” since joining the mothership in 2020, Cornette cut her teeth in the tough Chicago media market. She’s got the poise, the professionalism, and, most importantly, the ability to not get bulldozed when the hot takes start flying.
ESPN executive David Roberts basically said as much, gushing that Cornette “connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point.” Translation: She can handle Stephen A. without breaking a sweat. It is a skill set you can’t just teach. You either have it, or you end up as a meme.
The Future of First Take
Let’s face it, the host of “First Take” has one of the most thankless jobs in sports television. You have to be smart, quick-witted, and have the patience of a saint. It is less about having a big personality and more about managing the giant egos already in the room. You’re the point guard, distributing the ball and making sure everyone gets their shots.
With Cornette stepping in, a new era begins. She brings a fresh energy and a seasoned presence that could be exactly what the show needs to keep its edge. Will she be able to steer the ship through the daily storm of “Embrace Debate?” Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: it’s going to be one heck of a watch. Welcome to the hot seat, Shae. Try not to get burned.
