“Saturday Night Live” spoofs of real media personalities are legendary, and that is proving true again after the show steered into the world of sports recently to parody ESPN’s popular program “First Take.”
The skit was so funny; it caught the attention and praises of the actual “First Take” crew.
Spoofing First Take
Sketch comedian Chris Redd played Stephen A. Smith, Kenan Thompson played Michael Irvin, and Chloe Fineman played Molly Qerim, with the hilarious faux debates ensuing.
In addition, episode host Will Forte appeared as a fictional sports blogger.
The group debated erroneous sports topics such as, “is Tom Brady exceptional or very exceptional,” with Redd and Thompson getting more fired up by the second. Eventually, sketch veered completely into the mindless entertainment realm with an apple vs. oranges debate.
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The Broadcaster’s Approve
“All I’ve gotta say is she got me good,” Qerim said on First Take the Monday after. “They got me good; they got me good.”
As Michael Irvin laughed, show star Stephen A. Smith agreed, complementing Redd and Thompson’s performances. The broadcast team pointed fans to a previous SNL sketch in which Redd portrays New York City mayor Eric Adams.
“Haaaaaa! OMG! This is hilarious,” Smith tweeted. “Especially the parts spoofing Michael Irvin. Hysterical!”
“Smith,” thought it was fantastic to be there, “Irvin” disagreed — it was a “delicious privilege to put on this suit.”
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Poking The Bear
Fineman sounded remarkably similar to Qerim, while Thompson nailed Irvin’s unique sporting spirit.
SNL ventured into tricky territory, mocking Irving’s arrest for cocaine possession over 25 years ago. However, it didn’t stop Smith and Irvin’s joy about the skit. Both ESPN personalities appreciated being lampooned by SNL.
Each shared the SNL clip on their respective social media platforms and reacted positively to it.
“I haven’t laughed that hard about SNL in 20 years!” Smith declared. “I promise y’all, it’s must-see.”
This is too accurate 😂
(via @nbcsnl) pic.twitter.com/lqTJxH1F5y
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 24, 2022
The “First Take” Way
Smith, Qerim and Irving have been in the media recently for various reasons.
Smith continued his perpetual trolling of the Dallas Cowboys after their post-season dreams ended. In addition, Smith, who was highly critical of Kyrie Irving’s decision to not get vaccinated came at odds with his adoration of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who also did not get vaccinated.
Irvin has been on the defensive about the Dallas Cowboys, the team with which he won three Super Bowls.
He knew the assignment oh my goodness, M. Irving impression is spot on 😭
— MIRS (@lordhavemirsy) January 24, 2022
Qerim recently announced a divorce from NBA legend turned broadcaster Jalen Rose after three years.
“After being separated for almost a year, Molly and I have officially decided to go our separate ways,” Rose, a former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, wrote on his Instagram Story on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
“We both agree remaining friends and colleagues is the best course of action for our relationship going forward,” he said. “Please respect our privacy at this time.”
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