A new era of “First Take” has officially begun.

Shae Cornette made her anticipated debut Monday as the show’s new host , weeks after ESPN announced she would succeed Molly Qerim , who abruptly left the network in September.

Stephen A. Smith, who was clad in a cowboy hat while smoking a cigar, introduced Cornette after his over-the-top intro that was centered around throwing shade at America’s team.

. @stephenasmith brought the receipts for @michaelirvin88 😂 pic.twitter.com/3cG0vcuoiQ — First Take (@FirstTake) November 3, 2025

“Can y’all give a round of applause to our new host” Smith said of the former “SportsCenter” anchor.

There wasn’t a grand entrance or a special segment dedicated to Cornette, whose “First Take” debut began at the desk in Arlington, as the show is on

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