Stephen A. Smith is back on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. The First Take star will reportedly appear on three or four episodes this season, according to Front Office Sports.
What We Know: Smith first joined Monday Night Countdown last season, appearing three times with Scott Van Pelt and company. On Monday, he made his season debut in Los Angeles ahead of the New York Giants Los Angeles Rams telecast. Notably, it was his first Countdown appearance alongside Pat McAfee, who joined the show this season.
What’s At Stake: This is ESPN’s first year hosting the broadcast of the Super Bowl. With the added focus of the big game in February, Smith’s inclusion in Monday Night Countdown should have been expected with the network ramping up its all in approach on football content with the biggest stars of ESPN involved.
What Remains Unclear: Exact dates in which Smith appears on Monday Night Countdown are unknown. Whether or not First Take will travel to the host city for the Monday Night Football broadcast dates could be also in the mix as well.
What It Means: Ultimately, Smith specifically considered additional Monday Night Football work in his 2025 extension. Now, the request is paying off, uniting arguably ESPN’s two biggest stars on one desk. Conversely, he left NBA Countdown last season after ESPN licensed Inside the NBA from TNT Sports. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how fan reaction to ESPN’s two biggest stars sharing the stage together plays out. Also, whether there could be some additional cross pollination between the two on each other’s ESPN studio programs as well.
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