Shae Cornette named full-time 'First Take' host at ESPN with Stephen A. Smith's blessing

"First Take" and Stephen A. Smith have a new ringleader in Shae Cornette, who replaces Molly Qerim as the host of the popular ESPN program.

ESPN’s First Take Finds Molly Qerim’s Replacement

After Molly Qerim departed ESPN in September 2025, the network has now revealed who the new co-host for First Take will be. The new host will officially debut on November 3, 2025, alongside veteran Stephen A.

ESPN chooses Shae Cornette as Molly Qerim’s ‘First Take’ replacement

ESPN has their new “First Take” host. After a month-long tryout period, the network chose Shae Cornette to replace Molly Qerim on “First Take,” Front Office Sports reported Thursday. “Thank you for all the support… excited for this next chapter!” Cornette, who will make her debut on Nov. 3, wrote on X.
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