Since Election Day, MSNBC has seen a sharp decline in viewership, with a staggering 54% drop in primetime ratings. This decline is significant, as the network had averaged around 1.1 million viewers in October, but recent figures show that MSNBC’s viewership has dropped to an average of 736,000 over three days following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
Primetime Programming Faces Record Low Ratings
In the crucial primetime slot from 8-11 p.m. ET, MSNBC’s staple shows, such as “Alex Wagner Tonight,” “All in with Chris Hayes,” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” have seen dramatic drops. October’s primetime average of 1.8 million viewers has plummeted to just 808,000 since the election, marking a 54% decrease, while a 58% increase over 2024’s averages. The decline in MSNBC’s primetime numbers represents a loss of over half of its audience, underscoring the network’s struggle to maintain viewership amid political shifts. MSNBC’s ratings challenge also extends to full-day viewership. Compared to year-to-date totals, MSNBC has seen a 16% dip in daytime audience and a sharp 57% drop in the key 25-54 demographic, a critical group for advertisers.
MSNBC Hosts Face Declining Audiences Across Lineup
The network’s popular programs, including “Alex Wagner Tonight,” “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” “Deadline: White House” with Nicolle Wallace, “Jose Diaz-Balart Reports,” “The ReidOut,” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” have all recently recorded their lowest audiences of the year. Friday’s viewership marked the lowest for “Alex Wagner Tonight” since it debuted in 2022, following Rachel Maddow’s decision to reduce her airtime to once a week. Chris Hayes’ show, “All in with Chris Hayes,” recorded its lowest ratings since May 2016 on Thursday.
A Divided Audience Reacts to Election Outcome
A veteran TV news executive, speaking anonymously, noted that MSNBC’s audience may have been motivated by a “love to hate” approach toward Trump’s first administration, but that sentiment has waned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCm0vWfbkLM
“As its poor post-election night ratings show, MSNBC should not expect a ‘Trump Bump’ this time around. Even liberals are rejecting its condescending tone and the divisive rhetoric of its new standard-bearer, Joy Reid,” the executive stated.
Media Fatigue Sets in for Viewers
Among MSNBC’s viewers, some are expressing fatigue over the network’s post-election tone. Sharon Waxman, CEO of Hollywood trade publication TheWrap, highlighted her own decision to step back from MSNBC. “If you’re like me, you haven’t turned on the news since last Tuesday when Donald Trump won the election. Personally, I can’t bear to listen to another minute of wisdom from Joy Reid, my friend Lawrence O’Donnell or the admirable Rachel Maddow,” Waxman shared. “I can’t do it,” she added. “I’m not saying I’ll never watch or listen again. But – am I alone here? – my entire body recoils from listening to more claptrap from the same claptrapping apparatus.” As viewers step back and MSNBC grapples with declining ratings, the network may need to reconsider its approach if it hopes to regain its once-loyal audience.
