Following Shannon Sharpe’s exit from ESPN this week, many are wondering what’s next for First Take. But according to longtime media commentator Bomani Jones, the answer may be simple: the show doesn’t need anyone besides Stephen A. Smith.
Appearing on The Press Box podcast, Jones shared his candid thoughts on the structure and future of ESPN’s flagship debate show. While Sharpe said in a recent interview that he was proud to have brought his audience to First Take, Jones said he wasn’t sure how to evaluate that claim.
“The question I have—and I don’t have the answer for this—is I don’t know,” Jones said. “Shannon talked about how he was able to bring his audience to First Take, which is interesting. I would be curious to know how that’s quantified.”
Jones made it clear he wasn’t doubting Sharpe’s impact, but remained skeptical about how audience growth or retention is measured on a program as established as First Take.
“I’m not saying it’s not true. I’m saying I don’t know what the numbers are or how that goes,” he said.
But when asked whether the show needs Sharpe to succeed, Jones didn’t hesitate.
“Do I think that First Take needs Shannon Sharpe? No,” he stated. “I think they can find somebody that is a reasonable facsimile. First Take didn’t need Skip Bayless.”
That comment is particularly notable, given Bayless was the original co-host alongside Smith and played a foundational role in shaping the show’s format. Yet Jones believes the show’s staying power is tied to one constant: its star.
“A show like that is just about how well the other person gets ‘on’ with the star of the show, right?”
That formula, Jones argues, leaves room for any number of personalities to slide into the co-host chair, as long as they mesh well with Smith’s cadence and energy.
“They sprinkle Cam Newton there. I don’t think that works as well as it works with Shannon, for example,” he added. “But I don’t think that show needs anybody other than Stephen A. Smith.”
Names like Chad Johnson have already surfaced publicly, with Johnson himself joking on social media and on First Take about being ready for the opportunity. Jones didn’t dismiss it, but emphasized that connection with Smith is the only qualification that truly matters.
First Take has not officially announced any new personalities to replace Sharpe’s presence on the program.
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