MS NOW Announces Major Daytime Programming Overhaul

On March 18, 2026, MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, announced significant changes to its daytime programming aimed at improving its struggling ratings. The network will introduce a new two-hour morning show hosted by Stephanie Ruhle from 9 to 11 a.m. ET, while the flagship program "Morning Joe," co-hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, will revert from a four-hour format to three hours, running from 6 to 9 a.m. ET. Alicia Menendez will also receive her own show from noon to 2 p.m. ET, moving from her co-host role on "The Weeknight," which will now feature Luke Russert alongside Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele.

LA TimesThe GuardianAssociated PressMajor Shakeup at MS NOW: What’s Cancelled & Who’s LeavingLuke Russert joins “The Weeknight” as MS NOW reshapes its lineup ahead of June changesAlicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight roleLuke Russert joins The Weeknight as co-host in MS NOW shakeup

These changes come as part of a broader strategy following MS NOW's rebranding in November 2025, when it was spun off from Comcast into the new media company Versant. Since the rebrand, the network has seen a 25% increase in daily viewership, particularly in prime time, where it averaged 1.4 million viewers in February 2026. However, daytime ratings have lagged significantly, drawing 47% fewer viewers than evening programming, prompting the need for a strategic overhaul.

Luke Russert joins The Weeknight as co-host in MS NOW shakeup

Rebecca Kutler, president of MS NOW, emphasized the importance of these changes in her memo to staff, stating, "I am confident that these changes will make what is already a successful lineup even stronger in the future." She assured employees that the network would not reduce its workforce and anticipated growth in staff numbers by the end of the year.

Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role

Despite the optimism from network executives, some critics have raised concerns about the effectiveness of these changes. The daytime programming has historically underperformed, and there are doubts about whether the new lineup will be sufficient to bridge the ratings gap with competitors like Fox News, which leads in viewership.

Luke Russert joins The Weeknight as co-host in MS NOW shakeup

• March 18, 2026: MS NOW announces programming changes.

Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role

• June 2026: New schedule takes effect, featuring:

Luke Russert joins “The Weeknight” as MS NOW reshapes its lineup ahead of June changes

• 9-11 a.m. ET: Stephanie Ruhle

Associated Press

• 6-9 a.m. ET: "Morning Joe"

Luke Russert joins “The Weeknight” as MS NOW reshapes its lineup ahead of June changes

• 12-2 p.m. ET: Alicia Menendez

Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role

As the network prepares for the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, the success of this programming overhaul will be closely monitored. The changes aim to attract a larger daytime audience and enhance the network's competitive edge in the cable news landscape.

Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role

• “I am confident that these changes will make what is already a successful lineup even stronger in the future,” — Rebecca Kutler, President of MS NOW

The Guardian

• “decided to make a change” — Ana Cabrera, Former Anchor at MS NOW

The Guardian

These strategic adjustments reflect MS NOW's commitment to revitalizing its daytime offerings and positioning itself for future political coverage.

Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role