Stephen A. has publicly acknowledged that he owns a residence in Florida, and given that reality, doing First Take from South Florida, especially during recent East Coast snowstorms, is not a diva move. It is practical. ESPN, like other network programs, has leaned heavily into remote and hybrid setups since COVID, and First Take in particular has normalized hosts appearing from wherever, as long as the show looks clean and functions smoothly.
That is why Awful Announcing’s criticism of him for not being in New York feels performative. However, their critique of the show itself is largely on point. Cam Newton is not Shannon Sharpe, and Shannon is clearly missed. Newton’s takes often feel more staged than the product of logical analysis. Kendrick Perkins is an interesting listen when discussing the NBA. But when it comes to the NFL, the takes from a bevy of co-hosts and so-called experts are quite frankly boring, outside of Peter Schrager (who seems to be able to go toe to toe with Smith). Perhaps Big Perk should talk football.
The show also has not felt the same without Molly Qerim as host.
Despite their contentious relationship, Max Kellerman and Stephen A. were a better pairing than anything First Take has now. But of course before Skip Bayless’ departure, First Take set the precedent that established the program as the bellwether of daytime sports television.
Stephen A. Smith stretched too thin? Is the show in trouble? Awful Announcing brings some interesting energy here, but the overall tone comes across less like constructive criticism and more like “we’re tired of this guy that’s making all that money.”
Besides aren’t they doing their show remotely. ???