Jen Psaki’s New Show Is Struggling—Even by MSNBC Standards

In the ever-competitive world of cable news, Fox News continues to reign supreme—and the numbers don’t lie. Compared to MSNBC and CNN, Fox’s ratings dominance remains unmatched. But even within MSNBC’s historically modest viewership, the network’s latest primetime reshuffle is proving to be a costly misstep—with Jen Psaki’s new show at the center of the storm.

Once touted as a rising star and potential successor to Rachel Maddow, Psaki’s transition from White House press secretary to cable news host was highly anticipated. But just one month into its run, “The Briefing with Jen Psaki” is off to a rocky start.

Ratings Collapse at 9 p.m.

A recent Fox News analysis paints a stark picture: Psaki’s rebranded show, which airs weeknights at 9 p.m. ET, averaged just 971,000 viewers from its May 6 debut through May 28.

That number represents a staggering 47% decline from the combined audience previously drawn by Maddow and Alex Wagner in the same time slot. For a network already grappling with its identity post-Maddow, that kind of loss is alarming.

And Psaki isn’t alone in the ratings slump.

Network-Wide Declines

MSNBC’s entire primetime shake-up appears to be faltering. The new show that replaced Joy Reid’s former time slot has seen a 12% drop in viewership, while a freshly launched weekend program also experienced an 11% dip compared to its predecessor.

More troubling is the network’s decline in the coveted 25–54 age demographic, a key target for advertisers. Across the board, all three new shows are underperforming with this crucial group.

In fact, MSNBC lost this demographic to CNN in May—a particularly painful blow considering CNN itself has been struggling.

Fox News Surges as Rivals Slide

According to TV Insider, May was an especially brutal month for MSNBC and CNN. While Fox News surged ahead with a 23% increase in overall ratings, MSNBC’s viewership plunged 24%, and CNN dropped 18%.

What’s behind MSNBC’s woes? Analysts point to the exit—or sidelining—of high-profile hosts like Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid. Whether you loved or hated their commentary, both women held considerable sway over the network’s core audience. Their absence appears to have left a void that Psaki and others have yet to fill.

It’s Not Just Primetime

The fallout isn’t limited to the evening hours. “Morning Joe,” once a consistent performer in MSNBC’s morning block, is also suffering. Hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the show has seen a noticeable drop in viewership, further signaling that the network’s entire lineup may be in need of more than just cosmetic changes.

What’s Next for MSNBC—and Psaki?

With viewership slipping and advertisers eyeing the declining 25–54 demographic, MSNBC faces a tough road ahead. Psaki, once considered a fresh, relatable voice for progressive audiences, now finds herself at the helm of a show that’s losing traction faster than expected.

It remains to be seen whether MSNBC will stick with the current lineup or initiate another round of changes. One thing is clear: audiences are voting with their remotes, and for now, they’re tuning out.