Shae Cornette Named Permanent First Take Host Following Molly Qerim's Departure

Molly Qerim's abrupt departure from ESPN's "First Take" after a decade on the show, reportedly due to contract disagreements, has led to Shae Cornette officially taking over as the new permanent host. Cornette, who has been with ESPN since 2020 and previously filled in for Qerim, expressed admiration for her predecessor's professionalism and grace, but emphasized that she sees her role as ushering in a "new generation" of the show rather than simply replacing Qerim. Cornette is determined to bring her own energy and voice alongside Stephen A. Smith, the show's dominant personality, and plans to incorporate fresh perspectives, including more coverage of hockey and Midwest sports. Despite the controversy surrounding Qerim's exit, ESPN appears poised for a fresh start, with Cornette ready to embrace heated debates and assert herself in the high-pressure role. The network's leadership has downplayed tensions, stating the departure was mutual and that Qerim wanted to explore other opportunities. Fans and analysts alike are closely watching how Cornette will build chemistry with Smith and fill the significant hosting gap left by Qerim.