ESPN viewers are desperate for the return of First Take regulars Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith.
The popular sports debate show has undergone a series of temporary personnel changes over the past month.
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Thursday’s edition was led by Christine Williamson after returning from ESPN 2 to its regular time slot on Monday.
Williamson is currently filling in for host Qerim, who has been away all week over the summer holidays.
Top analysts Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are also away on their own breaks after a grueling NBA postseason.
Williamson was joined by Harry Douglas to talk sports on Friday at ESPN’s Seaport Studios in Manhattan, NY.
But frustrated fans are desperate for the familiar sight of Smith, Sharpe and Qerim over breakfast.
“The first take this time of year is really the third take, who are these people,” complained one viewer on X.
“First Take falls apart without Molly,” said another.
“Where’s Molly? Steven A? Shannon? Come on, this is getting crazy,” a third added.
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Qerim returned to First Take last week for two broadcasts, after an initial fortnight break.
The 40-year-old made an instant impact when she jokingly walked off the set during a Dallas Cowboys segment.
Despite being on vacation, Smith continues to work on his successful podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show.
He is currently in contract negotiations with ESPN and is reportedly eyeing a $25 million contract.
Smith also confirmed on X during Thursday’s show that he would “be back next week.”
“See you next week – in the studio. Buckle up, everyone! Just for a week, though,” he he wrote.
In a recent podcast episode on July 17, Smith talked about his former colleague Skip Bayless.
Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.
Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.
The pair were sparring on First Take nearly a decade ago before Bayless joined Fox Sports.
Skip is now set to leave First Take’s main rival Undisputed in the summer after 8 years.
Stephen A. revealed that he “didn’t call” his former colleague after the revelation.
“Being on First Take and wanting to be No. 1 doesn’t mean I wanted Skip Bayless to fail,” Smith said.
“[It] It doesn’t mean I want to see him out of the business, not the profession, and with the news that he’s leaving FS1, I didn’t call him.
“I’m not going because I know what this moment must be like for him.”
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