It is safe to say the Shannon Sharpe era on First Take is, at the very least, off to a humorous start. Fresh off of Sharpe calling Stephen A. Smith by his former co-host “Skip” Bayless’ name on their first episode together, Smith was not going to let the mistake by the NFL Hall of Famer keep happening, offering some assistance this time around.
After Shannon Sharpe continuously called Stephen A. Smith, "Skip" on the air yesterday, SAS figured out a way to help him.
He's wearing a name tag with his name on it 😄https://t.co/sz3mCzsLynhttps://t.co/DcZ1BOZIsY pic.twitter.com/vEVDh4FfWJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 5, 2023
We have all been there before. Starting a new job and slipping up by calling your new colleague by your former colleague’s name is something we can relate to at least once in our lifetime.
Smith is helping a friend out in a time of change, just like any good friend who also likes to make fun of you a little bit would. The playful banter between co-hosts led to some fun social media interaction as well, with fans getting in on the pettiness that Smith brought to the show this morning.
Fan Reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s Name Tag
He’s petty for this 😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/XUOiDdjrWP
— Panthers Prime Podcast (@PanthersPrime1) September 5, 2023
Petty 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/NEiRrQiJhY
— HOWIE STAN ACCOUNT 🫡 (@SeanTheGawd_) September 5, 2023
This was an excellently played joke by Stephen A. and a fun preview into what promises to be a show full of shenanigans just like this between the two. The show has only just begun with the duo front and center, but the pairing has been well received thus far, and for situations like this, it isn’t hard to see why fans may continue tuning in.
A New Chapter for Smith and First Take
More than two months have gone by since Sharpe said goodbye to Bayless and Undisputed, but it looks as if Sharpe and Co. are settling in nicely in their new environment.
The former NFL tight end and Pro Football Hall of Famer announced his intention shortly before his start date with a post on “X,” using a photoshopped picture of the famous Dwyane Wade-LeBron James dunk moment with his own face on James’ body and Smith’s face on Wade’s body, announcing it in a uniquely Shannon Sharpe way.
GET YOUR POPCORN READY🔥🔥🔥🔥 #2HBCUALUMS #SSU #WSSU pic.twitter.com/2xoj0sSupP
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) August 24, 2023
Both Smith and Sharpe are hoping this configuration sticks for the long haul as they continue their climb to the top of the morning debate shows across all networks. The duo has a chance to make really good television, and the fans are eager to see how much better the show can be moving forward with Sharpe in the fold.