Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the married marquee duo of MS NOW's flagship morning program "Morning Joe," have officially secured their future with the cable network. In an interview with Axios on Wednesday, they announced signing a contract extension that will keep them on air through the end of 2029.
Contract Extension and Network Confidence
Scarborough humorously referenced political conventions, joking, "Four more years! — as they say at conventions." He expressed enthusiasm about continuing with the show, stating, "Mika and I are excited to be staying with our 'Morning Joe' family and friends who have been watching regularly for almost 20 years." He added gratitude towards MS NOW leadership for their "vote of confidence," highlighting the network's commitment to the long-running program.
Network Leadership's Perspective
President Rebecca Kutler, who recently confirmed a broader network shakeup including the departure of news anchor Ana Cabrera, praised the impact of "Morning Joe." She told Axios, "We are about to celebrate 20 years of 'Morning Joe' — Joe and Mika have created something that cannot be replicated." Kutler emphasized the show's role in upcoming political cycles, noting, "As we build towards the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election, 'Morning Joe' will continue to be a singular destination for presidents and newsmakers from all political parties."
Strategic Importance for MS NOW
Securing the longevity of "Morning Joe" is a significant achievement for MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, as it works to establish its rebranded identity following its spin-off from Comcast and NBC News. The show's stability is viewed as a key asset in solidifying the network's standing in the competitive cable news landscape.
Recent Programming Adjustments
In related news, last week it was reported that "Morning Joe" will be shortened by one hour to accommodate a new two-hour program hosted by Stephanie Ruhle, who is transitioning from "11th Hour." Ali Velshi will replace Ruhle on that show. Additional changes include:
- Chris Jansing being reassigned to become MS NOW's chief political reporter.
- Alicia Menendez receiving a weekday program airing from noon to 2 p.m.
- Chris Hayes' "All In" returning to Monday broadcasts.
These programming shifts are scheduled to take effect in June, reflecting the network's broader strategy to refresh its lineup while maintaining core assets like "Morning Joe."
