I was initially sad to see Jenna go because I liked her in her own way, but Wildes has taken the role to new level. They strike a perfect balance between "three funny dudes making fun of each other while talking sports" and "deep, cogent analysis about players, games, and trends." 10/10 show.
If anyone has seen nicks two Trevor Lawrence segments, ESPECIALLY the second one where he’s wearing the wig and you didn’t enjoy it, we couldn’t be friends. Broussard: “This is a bit much.” Nick: “Why? Cause we added a snare drum?” 😂😂😂
First Things First is my favorite sports talk show by a wide margin. Two things I love about the show: 1. They understand comedic timing. They're like a great improv team. 2. Related to the first thing, they don't take themselves too seriously. Even when they're "yelling" at each other, it feels like me and my buds ribbing each other while we argue about sports. The relationships appear genuine and there's never a moment when interpersonal tension (or ego) undermines the timing.
Another thing I really love is that they bring in the best people like Jennings and Schlereth who even though on other shows seem to almost hold back their own personalities, then come out and express their opinions with their own brand of analysis and it adds a further dimension.
Facts. You can tell guests are very comfortable with the main trio. It’s been amazing watching the mature into what it is now from the chris Carter, Brandon Marshall days
Nick being a good predictor makes the show great. Broussard’s takes as the devil advocate are what makes the show great. Wildes is the greatest host I’ve ever seen on a sports show.
Agreed. Easily the best sports talk show out there. It feels like 3 friends who don’t take themselves overly serious just talking shit about sports. Even when they debate it’s always light and positive vibes. Much more enjoyable than listening to some clowns yell over each other non-stop, or seeing who can think up the most absurd take for attention.
It’s refreshing to see a sports show where they don’t argue and yell over each other, but legitimately talk about sports like friends do. You can tell they have a real friendship between them, the gags they pull on each other, the trolling. It really is the best sports show. I miss it being on in the mornings. Now we have that Big Lots Pat MacAffee…
@@lightspeedbrothers4615 it’s getting that way-but I feel like that Carton dude was put on to be like, MacAffee lite…and he’s not as good lol. I did LOVE when MacAffee read his name on the HOF inductees-you know that was a genuine moment
@@williamallen7984 for sure and I don’t want to completely shit on mcafee. Some of the moments on that show are just legendary and carton definitely was put in to be like this edgier voice like him and utterly failed
@@lightspeedbrothers4615 I was a watcher/listener for years, and the changes really didn't appeal to me. The overdone jokes, Aaron Rodgers, it got old.
Yes! You hit so many home runs with this analysis. I've been a fan of First take from the old Chris Carter days, however the new format since the 3 guys have moved into the studio has just taken the show to another level. The dynamic between the hosts, as well as the passion they put into their topics feels genuine as oppose to someone like Skip Bayless who just seems tired and locked into terrible takes with weak arguments to back him up. Undisputed basically relies on Shannon Sharpe at the moment, but First Take feels evenly balanced and is highly entertaining as well good analysis.
Wow that's awesome to hear you have been a fan of the show so long. I just got into the show this year and I could not believe how much more engaging and well-spoken the three men were compared to their contemporaries. Then I went back and watched some stuff from 2020 and 2021 and while the seeds were certainly there I would agree with you that they unlocked another gear this fall.
Considering I’m from Kansas City. I’ve followed Nick for years locally here, and up through the ranks on TV. It’s nice to see him flourishing as a lead man on a national show. I hope it continues growing.
Man, being from KC and a listener of 610 sports since Nick was here, it's great seeing his success align with the chiefs success. Both are household names at the same time and Nick Wright gets to rep our chiefs every day. Back in the days, I used to wish people would just mention the chiefs on ESPN once. Now we have our guy repping nationally. I'd rather have it be Nick Wright than somebody like Whitlock. I loved Nick when he was here, more proud of him now. Whitlock, I hated him when he was here & I'm not ever surprised whenever I see him being a heel nationally. Carrington is up next. He's too good for us to keep forever.
Agreed 100%. They're a balanced show that plays into rooting interests enough for it to be funny but doesn't overdo it, they ACTUALLY debate using meaningful stats, and the humor is expertly calibrated (they all make me laugh but I take them all seriously as analysts, and not just personalities). So fun to watch.
This is so spot on. You're absolutely right about Brou being the peoples analyst. So many of his takes, whether you agree with them or not, are simply consensus. MJ being the GOAT, Josh Allen, the Nets, Jimmy g, etc. He has the takes of a casual, with the credibility and data that backs it up. Also, the "takedown" of the 3 in the intro is perfectly put. Again great vid brother.
Spot on... and on the topic of knowing when to be "serious", they also are the only sports show that routinely has thoughtful political takes when the moment calls for it. Above all though, their chemistry is infectious. The only show where the hosts are genuinely laughing their a** off constantly.
Yeah it's not quite "political" but they way Nick and the gang handled the damar hamlin situation was extremely classy. And even the crew behind the scenes are laughing and obviously having a great time.
The whole bit with Bru having products for his bud list has me in stitches. totally agree with what you mean about having segments we can't wait for. I love the bud list. I think a good video would be the evolution of this show. Back when it first came out with just Nick, and Carter it was a struggle. The whole corona transition was awkward and while I do mis Jenna i think the show is at its peak.
I’ve listened to Nick since he was on the evening time slot from like 6-8 pm (worst time slot) on 610 sports radio in KC about 15 years ago. When he was straight out of Syracuse. He is legitimately “Mr. Consistency.” Same real dude as always, a true pro whose honesty, integrity and hard work propelled him to the top. #respect
Nick and Chris are perfect. They argue with fervor but never get personal or too serious and can laugh at themselves. They are extremely knowledgeable, absolute experts, but come off as fun loving fans. Wiles adds a bit of comedy (even if he takes himself too seriously as an equal to the other two). It's an amazing show.
I agree with everything except the Wildes part. If there's something you can say about him is that he doesn't take himself seriously. He does his job perfectly as a moderator and has great chemestry with both Nick and Brou.
First things first has definitely jumped to the head of the class! The chemistry between those 3 are unmatched! They're having fun together! It's become my favorite sports talk show!
Been watching them almost everyday since the pandemic and they have only gotten better and better. Happy they’re getting the praise they deserve, look forward to those episodes more and more nowadays
Another thing that makes this show so good is that they don't talk about the cowboys and aaron rodgers every day and every fucking chance they get. They only talk about them when it's something worth talking about and don't just force it into the topics like how other major network shows always force the commentators to do.
Well said brother. You just earned a new subscriber from South Africa & I hit the 🔔. Keep it up! I think Nick is possibly the best in his class right now. Great show. Brilliant analysis! Well played!
It is by far and away my favourite talk sports show, the only way I consistently listen to now. The segments are such a big part of that, breaks shows up and means they haven't got to fill 10 minutes rehashing debates
YT algorithm works in mysterious ways :D Got this really insightful and professionally made rekommendation to a video from a guy with 371 followers (372 now). A great take, a nice voice to listen too. Keep up the good work.
Great video. What I want to see is a long video essay that shows the rise of first things first since it’s start, and shows how it became the best sports show ever
Agreed. The mixture of all three and each willing to laugh at themselves while giving really interesting and reasonable commentary. Favorite show today.
Show Came A Long Way Too. From When Cris Carter Would Just Berate Nick, To Win B Marsh Replaced Cris & Would Piss Everybody Off Cuz He Obviously Had No Clue What He Was Talkin About Outside Of Football & Would Constantly Interrupt Ppl & Disrupt The Flow, To When Jenna Became More Vocal & Wildes Came On & Everybody Initially Disliked Him… To See It Now It’s Current Form Is Super Dope. Literally Perfect Trio… Great Breakdown By You Bro
You have fun watching it because they’re having fun making it. They are genuinely having fun and you can sometimes even hear the crew laughing in the background.
Bro this is one of the best video essays abt sports tv ive seen, u need to make a pt 2 or some continuation bc im in love with the show (wildes is a national treasure)
Wildes is the best talk show host for any TV medium even beyond sports. Broussard has been great for years and never seems to get caught in the “hot take” frenzy so many other analysts do. Nick Wright has grown tremendously over the last few years and is now a true star in sports media. These guys have made watching sports talk shows fun again.
As someone who used to watch all sports shows everyday. I’d say brou never had this funny side of him before first things first he never raised his voice or anything he was just the smart basketball guy who was on for 10 mins.
I 100% agree! I hate that this isn't on in the mornings now. Used to wake up to this show every day and after a big game they are the first ones I want to hear from.
It is without a doubt an amazing show! I watched casually before the new format but I'm totally all in now and certainly look forward to each show. I echo the sentiments of other posters, pretty spot on about everything.
My favorite part of the show is that you can hear the set crew laughing in the background. When the camera man and boom guy are calling out jokes the chemistry sky rockets
They have the best chemistry atm deftly, Kevin is doing a great job at hybrid host/analyst, which gives the show a much better flow then all the others
awesome vid i just started watching fist things first a couple months ago and even for non sports heads the show is a great watch and i tune in every chance i get now
I've actually started recording first things first and listening after work. Though I wish they had Skip and Shannon's time slot so I could listen to them on my way to work. I think those 3 work well together and respect each other.
Amazing video. I have LOVED undisputed for years and years. I never thought a show would pass them but I cannot deny I actually look forward to their shows and clips on RU-vid more than undisputed but I’d say it’s 1A 1B type deal rather than 1 and 2. Anyways great video man explained it perfectly.
This is me on a random Tuesday explaining to my dad why first things first is the greatest sports talk show of all time and he rebuttals with jim Rome 😂 glad to see im not the only one who feels this way
It’s also worth pointing out good morning football got things rolling with a similar format and their original crew with Kay and Nate really offered for a great dynamic worth tuning in most mornings. Since they were the fan favorites and they’re both gone, the show isn’t the same, but these three and their chemistry might even top the original four of GMFB. And the key to it I believe is their confidence mixed with self awareness. It’s only a matter of time before these guys keep climbing the ranks in the ratings.
Thank you for saying what we've all been thinking. FTF is my favorite sports analysis show of all time because of the great chemistry of this group that other shows cant reach
The beauty of First things first is that it’s insanely unique. From nicks tiers to Broussards Bud list to wildes weird and wonderful it never gets stale. The chemistry of these 3 is crazy💯
Personalities matter a ton in this business and the balance to me is the key to making magic on tv. Over the years I went from watching Cold Pizza to First Take then went to Undisputed (mainly because I was a Broncos fan) but truly grew to love Shannon. As I started tiring of Skip right around Mahomes rookie season I found myself watching Speak for Yourself a lot more. But I realized it was because of Whitlock and Wileys contrasting styles, personalities, and how authentic they both felt. Once Acho came along as this cookie cutter robot analyst I found myself drifting over to First Things First and I have to say it has become hands down my favorite sports talk show. I have watched Broussard on so many other things over the years but this show and the pairing with Nick and Wildes has seemed to bring out the best in him. 5 years ago I would probably have never even gave a second of my life to listen to anything Nick Wright had to say but damn that guy is right a lot...or at least has been this year. I look forward to seeing how and/or if they keep up this great stuff once the NFL season winds down.
Spot on. I used to hate sports talk, until I found this show. Now I watch it damn near every day. And not just the bits about the teams I like - all of it! They seem like great friends who rag on each other, but know it's all for the show. And it seems like the only show with *continuity*. If someone has a terrible take, everybody brings it up and reminds them. And they laugh about it, while one guy kind of feels bad, but that's what makes it honest! It's not all boasting about the good takes, you take some heat for the bad ones too. It feels like the only sports talk with stakes, not just takes.
100% agree, I love this show so much. FTF also does a great job of incorporating their guest hosts. Even the most dry of them get worked into the magic. It’s really impressive.
Reminds me of inside the NBA. The first person that was there was Ernie (Nick Wright). Then they added Kenny Smith (Kevin Wildes) and the show got more consistently good. Then when they added Chuck (Chris Broussard), the show went to a whole other level. You wonder if they could still use one more person ALA Shaq with ITNBA.
Facts facts and more facts. Plus, even when Jenna was there, that chemistry was still great. She always felt like more than a moderator or median unlike many of the other sports shows. You can truly feel it when one of the FTF members is missing. And that's all because of what you said here. Excellent vid
I agree all hardly because I feel like the show has the best chemistry and they are all having fun and going at it they call out each other if they were wrong Too many shows they're just playing a persona here you have three guys who are genuinely having fun and there's just amazing chemistry between all of them And like you say they all make fun of each other and they will bring up stats but hide some of the stats which another person will bring up to prove their point wrong which is always just funny I hope the show goes to 2 hours because this show deserves more viewers and it's just so underrated
I can’t watch this show live because of the job I have but every time FTF shows up on Spotify I immediately listen to it because these guys are just the best
Wildes as funny as he’s turned into, his takes were always underrated and probably the best in the business. He always asked what was underneath the subject which was the most intriguing and best thing about him.
I’ve watched this show since it was bald Nick Wright and CC on the show. It was good then, and it’s even better now. I love the addition of Brou. I’ve always enjoyed his analysis and looked forward to when he would make an appearance on the show. Brou now being a crew member is awesome. This show is fantastic though and through.
This show, ironically, mirrors a sports team that we might follow. The prior iteration of the show was good, but we had a sense that it could be better. Well, they went into the offseason and got a new stadium, made a couple trades and adjusted their playbook. And now the team is a success. Similar to the way that they talk about the San Francisco 49ers, how the system is so good that Brock Purdy can come in and look like a quality starting quarterback, the guests that come in get to play to their strengths and actually fully export their expertise and personality. Thank you for the video. They deserve the highlight.
wow everything and then some about what makes the show great. ty for your "cogent analysis" on why FTF is excellent :) found this because Nick Wright tweeted it.
