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Stephen A. Smith’s First Take return date revealed as ESPN prepares for major location change ahead of star’s comeback
First Take is heading out on the road this Friday
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is making his eagerly-anticipated return to First Take.
The 56-year-old sportscaster has been absent for much of July enjoying a summer vacation.
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Smith left the show for an extended break on July 2 and has since only appeared in three broadcasts.
He has not graced our screens this week ahead of a huge live broadcast in Chicago.
Host Molly Qerim was joined by Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo and ex-NFL star Bart Scott on Wednesday's show.
And she confirmed Smith would make his big comeback as First Take hits the road on August 2.
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"SA is off today," Molly told Mad Dog and Scott following Russo's botched cold open.
"What else is new?" laughed Mad Dog in response, "It's summertime!"
"Be nice! He's going to be with me in Chicago on Friday," Molly revealed.
"We got a big show and he's going to be there."
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First Take will be taped in front of a live audience at this year's National Association of Black Journalists conference.
The show will take place at the Hilton Chicago as a part of the NABJ festivities," Qerim revealed to fans earlier this month.
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"Admission is free, and exclusive to NABJ participants only," she added.
"Doors open at 6:30 am CT, on a first come first serve seated basis.
"Chi-town we can't wait to see you, Stephen A. I am so excited, those are the best crowds."
"Oh we're gonna have a good crowd, they're gonna show up," Stephen A. added.
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.
First Take will return to full strength over the next few weeks following a period of instability.
A series of guest analysts and hosts have filled in for Qerim, Smith, and Shannon Sharpe since the beginning of July.
Fans last week begged Smith to return to save the show from "falling apart."
"First Take during this time of the year is really 3rd take, who are these people," complained one viewer on X.
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"First Take falls apart w/o Molly," another said.
"Where is Molly? Steven A? Shannon? Come on now this is getting crazy," added a third.