MSNBC Announces Major Primetime Overhaul Amid Viewer Decline

NEW YORK, NY — MSNBC is set to implement significant changes to its primetime lineup beginning late April 2025, as the network responds to shifting viewer preferences and prepares for its upcoming spin-off from Comcast.

The overhaul, announced by newly appointed president Rebecca Kutler, will see Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, take over the coveted 9 p.m. hour on weekdays. Joining Psaki in the evening slate, Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will replace Joy Reid at 7 p.m., hosting a new panel show after the cancellation of “The ReidOut.” The final episode is scheduled to air soon.

In light of these changes, Kutler highlighted the importance of adapting to the current television landscape, stating, “Our jobs are hard on a normal day, and these are not normal times.” These adjustments are part of MSNBC’s strategy to preserve its audience amid a projected 10.5% decline in subscribers by the end of 2025, according to Kagan, a market-research firm.

The decisions come as ratings for numerous news networks, including MSNBC, have continued to decline, particularly following the 2024 presidential election. Kutler indicated that maintaining and nurturing an engaged audience is paramount, emphasizing rapid growth across digital platforms and other media.

As part of the strategic changes, Rachel Maddow will revert to hosting her show only on Mondays. Alex Wagner, who has been anchoring on Tuesdays through Fridays, will remain with the network as a senior political analyst after losing her hosting role.

During the lineup changes, MSNBC will introduce a new morning edition of “The Weekend” led by Jonathan Capehart and a separate evening edition co-hosted by Ayman Mohyeldin. Additionally, several shows, including those produced in Miami, will be canceled as part of a shift to consolidate operations in New York and Washington, D.C. Kutler also plans to establish a new Washington bureau.

These programming shifts come on the heels of an overall decline in MSNBC’s viewership, with significant drops reported in key demographics. Ratings for “The ReidOut” have fallen, leading to its cancellation, with data showing viewership among those aged 25 to 54 down 14% year over year.

As part of this transition, Kutler noted that further announcements regarding the network’s operational future and talent additions will be forthcoming. She has urged existing staff to explore internal opportunities, assuring them that over 100 new job listings would be available shortly.

The shakeup at MSNBC underscores the ongoing transformation in cable news as networks strive to attract audiences in an increasingly competitive media environment.