When one of cable news’ most recognizable faces says her successor might actually do the job better, you know something big is happening.
That’s exactly what Rachel Maddow has just done as she steps back from her nightly role on MSNBC and hands the mic—literally and figuratively—to Jen Psaki.
Maddow, who had temporarily returned to five nights a week to cover Donald Trump’s first 100 days in his second term, is now sliding back into her once-a-week schedule.
Meanwhile, Psaki is stepping into the high-profile Tuesday through Friday slot at 9 p.m.—a major shakeup that reflects broader changes sweeping through the network.
Rachel Maddow Says Jen Psaki’s Got What She Never Did
In a surprisingly candid moment, Maddow openly admitted she believes Psaki will do a better job at hosting the 9 p.m. show.
Why? According to Maddow, it comes down to one key thing: connections.
“She knows people and knows how to talk to them,” Maddow told People magazine.
“I’m kind of a hermit. I’m great with my team, but I don’t really know anyone in Washington or the news world—and that’s by choice.”
Maddow didn’t hold back in describing herself as more of a researcher than a networker.
“I’m not a great interviewer, I’m not good at cultivating sources. I’m a reader, not a talker,” she added.
A Graceful Hand-Off as MSNBC Reinvents Its Lineup
Despite the humble self-assessment, Maddow isn’t leaving with bitterness.
Instead, she voiced full support for Psaki, praising her character and professionalism.
“She’s immune to that weird TV curse that turns decent people into monsters,” Maddow said.
“I don’t know many people who can do what she does and still stay grounded. She’s a good person.”
Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary under President Biden, was officially announced as the new face of MSNBC’s 9 p.m. slot back in February.
That move bumped Alex Wagner out of her spot and signaled a broader revamp of the primetime lineup.
Network Overhaul Under New Leadership
Behind all of this change is MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler.
Officially stepping into the role in February, Kutler wasted no time making bold—and sometimes brutal—moves to reshape the network’s future.
One of her first major decisions was to cancel The ReidOut, ending Joy Reid’s run in primetime after several years on the air.
She also removed Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin from their slots.
All these moves are part of a broader effort to shake the network out of its ratings slump.
Recent numbers show MSNBC struggling to maintain viewership, with total daily viewers dropping below 600,000 and demo numbers dipping under 60,000.
Behind the Scenes: A Tightening Budget and Growing Pressure
It’s not just on-camera talent that’s feeling the pressure.
According to a report from Puck News, contributors have recently had to foot the bill for their own transportation to the D.C. studio and even do their own makeup—a far cry from the pampered image many associate with cable news stars.
These cost-cutting efforts are reportedly tied to MSNBC’s ongoing battle with low ratings and a strategic plan to eventually part ways with parent company NBCUniversal later this year.
The D.C. studios—where Psaki will now be anchoring—have become the central hub, also serving as the former workplace of now-fired anchor Joy Reid.
What’s Next for Maddow and Psaki?
As Psaki prepares to make the 9 p.m. hour her own from Tuesday through Friday, Maddow isn’t disappearing entirely.
She’ll still be on air Monday nights in her namesake slot, returning to her once-a-week rhythm now that Trump’s first 100 days are behind her.
With Maddow’s endorsement and Kutler’s aggressive leadership at the helm, MSNBC is clearly betting big on Psaki to lead the network into its next chapter.