First Take

First Take is a Euroish 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.

Repeats of First Take are broadcast on TV3, TMF, Spark & TCM.

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.

First Take also parodies various television programmes, presentation and advertising from the past & present.

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 7.3 million viewers, 6% 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.

Episodes
Main article: List of First Take episodes

International broadcast/versions
In December 2020, a British version of First Take, was commissioned for Channel 4, and premiered on 23rd April, 2021. The Euroish version has aired on E4.

An Australian First Take was commissioned by the ABC and was broadcast in 2022. It has been recommended for a second series.

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, scouring the archives to find the cream of shameful television from the past and present, and rip it to shreds."