‘My boy doing big things,’ roars Stephen A. Smith as ESPN analyst say he’s ‘proud’ of Shannon Sharpe for career venture
STEPHEN A. Smith has lavished praise on co-star Shannon Sharpe following another career milestone.
The veteran sportscaster, 56, declared he was “proud” of his ESPN co-star after Sharpe received a cover feature in the Hollywood Reporter.
First Take/ESPNStephen A. Smith has lavished praise on co-star Shannon Sharpe[/caption]
GettyThe NFL Hall of Famer has helped First Take become a ratings success since joining in September 2023[/caption]
YouTube/ NightcapSharpe has launched two successful podcasts with over 4 million subscribers[/caption]
Sharpe joined First Take in a high-profile switch from FS1’s Undisputed last September.
The NFL Hall of Famer boasts over 4 million subscribers to his podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap.
Smith began Monday’s edition of the sports debate show by focusing on the profile of Sharpe, where Shannon reflected on his increasing fame.
“I’m bigger now than at any point in my career,” Sharpe told the outlet.
“I’m 10 times what I was. I won Super Bowls. I’m in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But I’ve never been as big as I am right now.”
“It’s the truth, Shannon, I’m very, very proud of you Mr Hollywood Reporter,” a beaming Smith yelled during the cold open to Monday’s First Take.
“I saw the big feature, you understand what I’m saying? That is what life is like when you’ve got the big-time podcast.
“My boy doing big things. Here’s the big problem though – after you do those big things, you gotta go on First Take and go up against your boy.
Since Sharpe‘s arrival on the network, First Take has enjoyed bumper ratings.
The show’s numbers continue to improve month-on-month, with Sharpe appearing alongside Smith to debate all things sports every Monday and Tuesday.
In April, First Take averaged 482,000 viewers, a jump of 4,000 from March, as per an ESPN press release.
Over on FS1, Undisputed under Sharpe’s former sparring partner Skip Bayless averaged just 45,000, per the Hollywood Reporter.
Sharpe appears to be delighted with his new gig – and is particularly pleased to be working alongside Stephen A.
“I absolutely love working with him,” he continued.
“I think he’s a star in this industry. He never disappoints, is focused, committed and just does an incredible job.
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.
“I’ve grown to have a lot of love for him. I’m really, really proud to have him as a partner of the team.”
First Take is looking ahead to the NBA Finals, with Smith last week declaring he is the “most excited I’ve been in a decade.”
“We have seen riveting playoff series and finals,” an animated Smith said.
“I don’t think I’ve looked forward to an NBA Finals as much as I’m looking forward to this one.
“[That’s] over the last decade. And you know why?
“Nobody can definitively say who is going to win, it’s a toss-up.”
First Take airs every weekday on ESPN from 10 am ET to midday.
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