The next era of First Take begins Sept. 6, and ESPN revealed Stephen A. Smith’s new debate partners. The Michael Irvin fireworks are returning on a more regular basis as the Hall of Fame NFL receiver steps in as the Monday debate panelist. Fridays round out with former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow going head to head with Smith.
The rest of the week, a rotating cast of ESPN personalities join Smith and Qerim Rose, including Paul Finebaum, Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin, Monica McNutt, and more.
“This new format will pair Smith with new voices and perspectives every day of the week who will challenge him on their specific area of expertise in a completely new way,” First Take senior coordinating producer Antoine Lewis said in a press release. “Stephen A., Molly, and a lineup of A-list guests will definitely continue to provide fans with all they’ve come to expect from First Take and much more. We’re excited to get going!”
It’s a football focus for the two entrenched debate panelists. Irvin and Smith are debating all things NFL for the two-hour Monday shows this fall. While Tebow pops in on Fridays to prepare the audience for the college football weekend ahead.
The new cast follows Max Kellerman’s exit from the show on Sept. 1. Kellerman had been a main panelist since 2016 and now moves on to his own ESPN show and a key role on ESPN Radio’s new morning show, Keyshawn, JWill, and Max, debuting Sept. 7. There is no word yet on what the format of his new TV program is shaping up to be.
First Take has long been buoyed by the daily strength of two panelists. Now in 2021, Smith drives the conversation all over ESPN. We’ll find out if Irvin is any match for Smith in a regular setting on Sept. 7.