Jen Psaki was supposed to be MSNBC’s next big thing.
Instead, she’s become the face of its biggest flop.
WTF Is Going On?
In May 2025, MSNBC’s primetime ratings cratered—down 41% year-over-year among viewers aged 25–54, the key demographic for advertisers.
Total viewership dropped 34% overall, marking the network’s second-worst month on record.
Psaki’s new 9 p.m. show, The Briefing, averaged just 973,000 viewers—down 46% from Rachel Maddow’s average in the same slot earlier this year. On May 22, her show drew only 55,000 viewers in the 25–54 demo, trailing behind reruns of Friends and Paw Patrol.
Who’s Saying What?
Critics argue that Psaki’s credibility issues—stemming from her tenure as White House press secretary—have followed her to MSNBC.
Her dismissal of concerns about President Biden’s cognitive health, despite Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report describing Biden as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” hasn’t helped her case.
Narrative Reversal
MSNBC positioned Psaki as a seasoned insider bringing clarity to viewers.
Instead, audiences see her as a partisan figure lacking transparency.
The network’s attempt to double down on progressive voices has backfired, alienating a broader audience seeking balanced reporting.
Why It Matters
MSNBC’s ratings freefall isn’t just about one show—it’s indicative of a broader erosion of trust in mainstream media.
As networks prioritize ideological alignment over journalistic integrity, viewers are tuning out.
Deeper Dive
The network’s broader shake-up hasn’t fared much better. The Weeknight, a new panel show replacing Joy Reid’s The ReidOut, saw a 36% drop in viewership compared to Reid’s numbers.
Even Rachel Maddow’s once-a-week show has seen a 24% dip from last year.
Meanwhile, Fox News continues to dominate, with shows like Hannity drawing 2.3 million viewers in the same time slot as Psaki’s The Briefing.
What Happens Next?
MSNBC faces a critical juncture.
Its strategy of leveraging political figures as hosts is proving ineffective.
Without a course correction, the network risks further decline in relevance and viewership.
Mic Drop
When your news anchor is better known for dodging questions than answering them, don’t be surprised when viewers change the channel.