First Take Live from the NBA Finals; Seven Primetime Specials Added
For the first time ever, First Take, ESPN’s weekday morning studio debate show featuring commentators Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman with host Molly Qerim will air live primetime specials from the NBA Finals – in addition to the usual 10 a.m. to noon ET weekday show airing. The show will be on the road at the site of the Finals games – Golden State (Oakland, Calif.) or Cleveland/Boston – starting Thursday, June 1, with the First Take Special shows beginning Sun, June 4.
“We are delighted that First Take will provide fans with additional special programming,” said David Roberts, Vice President, Production. “Smith and Kellerman offer knowledge and insight that NBA fans will find informative and entertaining. The Finals will be historic and the entire First Take team will be working hard to earn the support of fans on site and those watching live on all platforms.”
All shows will be open to public and free of charge with doors opening for seating 1.5 hours before the start time of the show. The First Take team will be joined by special guests, based on the sites.
| Date | Time (ET) | Program/Location | Network |
| Thu, Jun 1 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Fri, Jun 2 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Sun, Jun 4 | 12-1 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Mon, Jun 5 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Tue, Jun 6 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| 7-8 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals | ESPN | |
| Wed, Jun 7 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| 7-8 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals | ESPN2 | |
| Thu, Jun 8 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| Fri, Jun 9 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| Mon, Jun 12 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Tue, Jun 13 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
| Wed, Jun 14 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| 7-8 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals | ESPN | |
| Thu, Jun 15 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | ESPN |
| 7-8 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals | ESPN2 | |
| Fri, Jun 16 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take | |
| 7-8 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals | ESPN2 | |
| Sun, Jun 18 | 5-6 p.m. | First Take Special at the NBA Finals Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN2 |
| Mon, Jun 19 | 10 a.m. – noon | First Take Lake Chalet, Oakland, Calif. |
ESPN |
First Take airs weekday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon on ESPN, focusing on the most compelling and entertaining topics of the day from the world of sports. Since First Take moved to ESPN on Jan. 3, the show’s audience (P2+) has increased 12% and its “reach” – the total number of people who watch the show – is 63% larger. Read more ratings info here. The program is streamed live on the ESPN app, and will continue to be re-aired on ESPN2 each day. Follow First Take on Twitter, Facebook or the Podcast for more updates and information.
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