Stephen A. Smith missing from First Take for special project which left him ‘honored’ as Molly Qerim makes return

MOLLY Qerim has returned to First Take, but at the expense of another host.

Stephen A. was absent from the show on Tuesday for a special event.

While many of Stephen A’s absences are mysterious and without answer, he let fans know where he was going on Tuesday.

The First Take host shared on his Instagram Story that he was invited to an exclusive event alongside other names in broadcasting.

Stephen A. shared a post regarding the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation hosting a luncheon titled “Giants.”

The event featured other names such as Al Roker, Mike McVay, and Wendy McMahon.

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The entire event was emceed by 60 Minutes’ Bill Whitaker.

Stephen A. shared the post and a short message about his excitement to be there.

“Honored,” he shared on social media.

The event started at 11:30 am, thus interfering with First Take and causing him to miss the show.

Fortunately for viewers, Qerim returned after an absence on Monday and hosted the show alongside Shannon Sharpe.

On Monday, she was replaced by SportsCenter anchor Shae Cornette.

Stephen A. walks off set – First Take guests gasp after Shannon Sharpe remarks

She was joined by Dan Orlovsky and Stephen A. during Monday’s episode.

Sharpe was not present on that episode.

Cornette is a well-respected member of ESPN, but fans were itching to see Qerim back on the show.

“Where is @mollyqerim,” one wrote.

“I’m missing Molly. The only reason I watch @FirstTake,” another commented.

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.

“We miss seeing you & hope all is well, please come back,” a third added.

Qerim was absent for six days last month for a planned vacation and illness.

She has been the host of First Take since 2015.

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Qerim stuns fans with her opinions as well as her outfits, and has over 683,000 Instagram followers.

First Take airs at 10 am ET every weekday.

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