After a decade of commanding the lively sports debate on ESPN's "First Take," Molly Qerim has stepped away from the spotlight for a well-deserved summer break. The beloved host, who has been a fixture on the show since 2015, announced her temporary hiatus following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season, leaving fans eager for her return later this month.
Qerim shared the news with her followers on Instagram, posting a warm farewell from the ESPN studio: "Another NBA szn in the books. Thank y’all for rocking with us 10 yrs & counting. Time to work on my tan-lines, shut my brain off & be with the fam. See ya in a few weeks. Grateful always, MQ." This message perfectly captures the spirit of a host who has tirelessly navigated the highs and lows of sports seasons, now taking time to recharge and enjoy family life.
The timing of Qerim's break coincides with a natural lull in the American sports calendar. The NBA season wrapped up on June 22, 2025, with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching their first NBA Championship since relocating in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in a thrilling Game 7. This dramatic finale was the first NBA Finals Game 7 in nearly a decade and the most-watched Finals game since 2019, drawing an impressive 16.35 million viewers.
Despite the show's ongoing broadcasts, which continue weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET from its Hudson Square studios in New York City, Qerim's absence has been felt keenly by the loyal "First Take" audience. She is not alone in her summer hiatus; co-host Stephen A. Smith has also been off the air since late June and is expected to remain away until closer to the NFL season kickoff in early August. Smith, who recently signed a staggering $100 million contract with ESPN, is anticipated to play an even bigger role in the upcoming football campaign, possibly including appearances on "Monday Night Football."
In their absence, the show has turned to a rotating cast of stand-in hosts such as Evan Cohen, Shae Peppler Cornette, Joe Fortenbaugh, and Peter Schrager. However, these replacements have struggled to fully capture the dynamic presence that Qerim brings to the program. Fans have voiced their disappointment on social media, with comments like "I never realized how much this show really needs Molly Qerim" and complaints about the show's shifting focus and hosting quality.
Qerim herself has been praised for her ability to keep the spirited debates on track, particularly when managing the strong personalities of Stephen A. Smith and guests like Chris Russo and Dan Orlovsky. One memorable moment this season occurred in late May when Qerim and Radio Hall of Famer Chris Russo were forced to conduct a segment from a hallway due to a technical glitch, even resorting to using flashlights during the broadcast. Russo notably took a jab at Smith's lucrative contract during this segment, highlighting the sometimes chaotic behind-the-scenes moments that make live television so compelling.
Fans' affection for Qerim is evident not only in their social media reactions but also in the way they eagerly await her return. Her absence in May 2025, which was unexplained at the time, sparked considerable concern and disappointment among viewers. This time, however, the vacation is well-publicized and well-earned, allowing fans to anticipate her comeback as the national sports landscape gears up for the 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, the sports world is poised for a busy fall with the NFL kicking off training camps in July and the regular season set to begin in September. The NBA and NHL seasons will follow in October, promising plenty of fodder for "First Take" once Qerim returns. Her presence will be crucial as the show covers major storylines including NFL trades, player performances, and the evolving dynamics of professional sports.
Qerim's journey to becoming one of ESPN's most recognizable faces began in 2006, with early stints covering college basketball and football for CBS Sports Network and hosting NFL-related shows on NFL Network. Her return to ESPN in 2015 marked the start of her tenure as the anchor of "First Take," where she quickly became known for her sharp moderating skills and engaging on-air personality.
As summer unfolds, Molly Qerim is taking the time to unwind and enjoy moments away from the demanding pace of live sports television. Meanwhile, "First Take" continues to hold down the fort, navigating the quieter months with a mix of familiar voices and fresh perspectives. Fans will no doubt be counting down the days until Qerim's return, when the show can once again benefit from her distinctive blend of insight, poise, and energy.
With the NFL season approaching and the NBA and NHL seasons on the horizon, the stage is set for an exciting sports calendar ahead. Molly Qerim’s well-earned break is a reminder of the human side of sports broadcasting, where even the most dedicated hosts need time to recharge before diving back into the fray.
