First Take

First Take is a Euro Republican comedy sketch television series. It began on 8th November, 2019 on TV4. The second series began on 6th September, 2020 on My ET1 and aired on FOX starting on 4th December, 2020.

The series covers popular, generally obscure, rare or sometimes offensive excerpts of television footage from numerous media archives, usually accompanied by Ian Knetter's biting commentary and cynical approach to what was being shown. Knetter uses a variety of categories on the show to accompany a particular selection of programme footage.

Plot
In the deep depths of the euroTV studios, there is a disposal area full of deleted scenes and pilots that have never been broadcast. In 2013, it is loaded into an archive along with other aired TV shows and the walls are made up of screens showing every channel in the country.

Production & ratings
First Take was commissioned by TV3 in January 2018 to air in Winter 2019, before being pushed back by the channel to air in November, instead on TV4.

The first series was premiered on 8th November, 2019, and garnered 15.4 million viewers, 3% above the slot average.

A second series was commissioned by TV4 in January 2020, following high ratings & positive reception. The new series was to debut on EuroMedia's new streaming service, My ET1, followed by a later broadcast on TV4 (which by then had became FOX).

The second series was the 2nd most streamed show on My ET1 in it's first week.

Series 3 was commissioned in October 2020, but was to go back to linear broadcast on FOX, but My ET1 would continue to stream all episodes, including Series 3.

Episodes
Main article: List of First Take episodes

International broadcast/versions
In December 2020, a British version of First Take with Harry Hill (also known for hosting similar show TV Burp) was commissioned for ITV2, and premiered on 23rd April, 2021.

A US version of First Take has been ordered by the Fox Broadcasting Company to air in the 2021-22 television season.

An Australian First Take has been commissioned by the Seven Network for broadcast in 2022. The network is hoping to air the show alongside TV Burp.

Bad Logo of the Week
A piece mocking the most under budget and mismanaged of television idents.

Fantasy Programme of the Week
A "What If..." segment pondering aloud what certain programmes may exist in an alternate universe, ranging from a kids singing show called Juvinidol, & a Barcroft spin-off called Barcrold, focusing on the elders of the street.

Reception
The show has enjoyed a positive reception from viewers & critics, with The Euro Independent stating "First Take is a delightfully funny series, ripping on the rubbish and praising the popular, Ian Knetter's new show needs a 2nd series soon."