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SHANNON Sharpe has not featured on First Take since announcing his huge new ESPN deal.
But the NFL icon’s return date to the morning debate show has now been finally confirmed.
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Co-host Molly Qerim announced on Friday’s program that Sharpe will make his long-awaited return to First Take on Monday.
“Oh yeah, summer vacation is over folks,” Qerim said.
“We are locked and loaded Stephen A. – no days off until Christmas.
“The gang is back together on Monday.
“Our partner Shannon Sharpe makes his return to First Take.”
Host Stephen A. Smith was clearly excited by the news.
“It’s the truth Shannon,” he said.
Sharpe appears on First Take on Mondays and Tuesdays but hasn’t worked since the beginning of July.
Now his return date has finally been revealed.
Molly added: “Stephen A, Shay, yours truly – we can’t wait. We’ll see you Monday.”
The announcement was made at First Take’s live appearance from the Fanatics Fest in New York City.
Qerim, 40, fronted First Take alongside Stephen A. and Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
And many First Take fans loved Molly’s outfit for the special on-the-road edition of the show.
People in attendance started chanting Qerim’s name as she appeared on the stage.
Qerim then showed off her talent and vast experience, smoothly handling a technical glitch while on the air.
It was announced in June that Sharpe had signed a new long-term extension with ESPN.
First Take viewing figures
First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.
The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 – making it the most-watched year in program history.
Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.
The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
“Today is a great day,” Qerim said.
“I want to say huge congrats, you have been such an incredible addition to the show.
“You skyrocketed the ratings, but you’ve been a great teammate. Even though you’re very abusive on camera!
“We’re so, so grateful to have you. Huge congrats on your new long-term extension with ESPN.”
Sharpe joined First Take last September after leaving FS1’s Undisputed and currently appears every Monday and Tuesday.
He spent seven years alongside Skip Bayless on the fiery debate show, leaving in a tearful farewell last June.
“Stephen A., I know this moment is not possible without you,” Shannon said.
“As you mentioned to me earlier, you have bosses, but you extended the olive branch and let them know that you wanted me to be a part of this family.”
Sharpe’s new deal with ESPN commits him to the network for the next four years, per The Athletic.
