Total Pro Sports
Molly Qerim has been absent from ‘First Take’ this week, and fans can’t take it.
Qerim has hosted the ESPN flagship show since 2015 and has done a great job moderating the likes of Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo, Kendrick Perkins, Shannon Sharpe (prior to his stepping away), and many others who join the panel every week.
While many tune in for the debates and sports analysis, others watch for Molly. Unfortunately, she has been away for the last few days with no notice, and the reason for her absence remains undisclosed.
Shae Peppler Cornette filled in for her on Wednesday, much to the dismay of certain viewers, who complained about the appearance.
Cornette was replaced by Peter Schrager on Thursday, which was pretty awkward, given that he’s an analyst himself.
ESPN brought someone else to sit in Molly’s chair this Friday, allowing sports betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh to hold the reins for the day. Fortenbaugh has appeared on ‘First Take’ several times over the past year, and there weren’t many complaints with his appearance.
Still, people are missing Molly Qerim.
“First Take” not the same without Molly this week…” one fan wrote.
"First Take" not the same without Molly this week… pic.twitter.com/AcOQy1qJ8W
— Ⓜ️ ℹ️ ©K ↘️✝️🟤↗️↘️ (@m0nmick) May 8, 2025
“I’M WITH YOU MAN NO MOLLY ON FIRST TAKE,” someone agreed.
I'M WITH YOU MAN NO MOLLY QERIM ON FIRST TAKE https://t.co/5WfNqBmIR3
— milton vadell butler (@mvdbutler) May 8, 2025
“I’m Done With This Week No Molly Qerim On First Take***,”*** he added.
I'm Done With This Week No Molly Qerim On First Take https://t.co/41NmzHiO0c
— milton vadell butler (@mvdbutler) May 8, 2025
“Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever No Molly Qerim On First Take,” the same user wrote in another post.
Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever Worst Week Ever No Molly Qerim On First Take https://t.co/EkxF519o0S
— milton vadell butler (@mvdbutler) May 8, 2025
“With peter facilitating First Take today, I never realized how much this show really needs Molly Qerim,” someone else offered.
With peter facilitating First Take today, I never realized how much this show really needs Molly Qerim.
— SIR Lorek Byrnison (@AngryCowboys) May 8, 2025
Qerim has yet to reveal what’s kept her from television all week, and she might not, as she isn’t obliged to share the reason for her absence.
We hope her disappearance has nothing to do with illness or anything negative
