Sports debate shows are boring, that is not a bold statement. With programs such as ESPN's "First Take", and FS1's "Undisputed" essentially all remixing each other by discussing the topics every day, it is really hard to stand out or draw an audience on a consistent basis for that form of television. Therefore, it is a miracle that FS1 was able to produce a gem in "First Things First".
"First Things First" is hosted by Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes. The FS1 trio's chemistry is unmatched on sports debate TV and that is what truly makes the show appointment viewing.
Wright, a Kansas City native, is the longest-tenured member on the show. Which is what also likely makes him the most well-known individual due to his hot or controversial takes, specifically around LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes, who Wright makes it clear regularly how he will go the grave supporting his favourite players. Not to mention, Wright could make the argument that he is the first true millennial TV personality on Sports Debate Television, which is what truly makes him unique from his peers in the industry.
Becuase of Wright's loud personality, the perfect foil to him on the show is his debate partner Chris Broussard.
Broussard is the one on the show who has been in the sports media game for the longest, and it shows with the calmness he brings to the group, as well as the takes he provides consistently.
He is definitely in the vein of media members such as Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, who reminisce about 80s and 90s sports whenever they get the chance, but unlike Smith, or Bayless, Broussard is always willing to adapt to the times and has no problem being the shows "punching bag" whenever his two other co-hosts get on him about his love for those past eras.
Paired with Broussard, and Wright is the self-proclaimed leader of the show, Kevin Wildes, perhaps the fan favourite of the group.
Wildes, without a doubt, is the funniest member of the show and his comedic timing to go after Wright, Broussard, or any guest the show may have on that day will make anyone crack. What also is great is that he has no problem being the brunt of a joke when need be which also leads to fantastic back-and-forth throughout an episode with his co-hosts.
Obviously, the three hosts are what make or break the show, but I also want to acknowledge the production and care that goes into "First Things First" regularly.
"First Things First" may be the first sports debate show that truly understands the value of its YouTube audience as opposed to just focusing on its TV numbers. To add onto that, the production staff always has great props or effects ready to go that enhance the viewing experience for the audience.
Give the show a try.
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