Shae Cornette to Replace Molly Qerim on ESPN’s ‘First Take’

ESPN has landed on a successor for Molly Qerim on First Take.

Shae Cornette will be named host alongside Stephen A. Smith, the network confirmed to Front Office Sports.

Qerim departed the morning talk show last month after hosting it for more than a decade. Since then, ESPN has auditioned a rotating group of hosts, including Cornette, Peter Schrager, Amina Smith, MJ Acosta-Ruiz, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh. 

Cornette joined ESPN in 2020 after years of working in Chicago media, including roles for ESPN 1000, Fox 32, and ABC 7. At ESPN she has been a regular SportsCenter anchor and studio host for both TV and radio.

“Shae is meticulous in her preparations, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point,” ESPN executive vice president David Roberts said in a statement to FOS. “Her professionalism, presence and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.”

Cornette will officially take over as First Take host on Nov. 3, the company said in a statement Thursday morning. Smith called her a “pro’s pro” on Thursday’s show and said that “we are absolutely thrilled to have her join the First Take family full-time.”

Last month, ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told media reporter Richard Deitsch that Qerim’s departure from First Take happened quicker than originally planned after Sports Business Journal reported the impending change and Qerim made a subsequent public announcement about it on her Instagram Story. 

“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote in the announcement. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”

Smith, one of the network’s highest-paid talents at $20 million a year, also serves as executive producer of the long-running embrace debate show.

Originally debuting as Cold Pizza in 2003, the morning show was relaunched as First Take with Skip Bayless as the star in 2011. Smith joined the show full-time in 2012. And their combative chemistry helped turn First Take into a weekday morning powerhouse after Qerim succeeded Cari Champion as host in 2015. Qerim deftly handled the role of being a traffic cop on a frenetic show. 

“The hosting job is very nuanced,” one former sports TV host previously told FOS. “People think it takes a big personality to sit in Molly’s chair, but it’s really about bringing out and managing the other personalities and getting them to perform and entertain.”