MSNBC
The 81st Golden Globe Awards
Medhi Hasan said he is leaving MSNBC after the network canceled his weekend show.
“I have decided that it is time for me to look for a new challenge,” he said on Sunday at the end of his program.
The station changed its weekend lineup last year and dropped its weekend show, while saying he would continue to serve as a commentator and substitute host. With his powerful interview, he was considered a rising star. But his comments, particularly about Israel, have sparked controversy. This included one controversial interview Earlier this month with Mark Regev, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Sunday's episode was his final broadcast, and he told viewers: “As we enter 2024, with an election looming, a war still ongoing, and frankly too many Trump trials to even keep track of, and there This show is over, I've decided it's time for me to look for a new challenge. Tonight is not only my last episode of The Mehdi Hasan Show, it's my last day at MSNBC. Yes, I have decided to go. Be clear. I'm so proud, so proud of what we've accomplished on this show, on this network.” He told viewers they could continue to follow him online.
When the weekend's line-up plans were announced in late November, the cancellation of his show came as a surprise as his interviews had generated many viral moments. His show wasn't a ratings blockbuster – it averaged about 520,000 viewers in October – but the network often touted that he had beaten rival CNN in its time slot.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote on Threads at the time: “It's the nature of this business that shows from extremely talented people sometimes get canceled.” It's hard every time, but it comes with the territory (God knows, I've been close myself). !)” He went on to call Hasan “one of the most talented broadcast journalists I have ever seen or worked with, and probably the best ever interviewer on American television. I’m grateful to have him as a colleague.”
Hasan joined the network in 2021 after serving as a presenter on English channel Al Jazeera and podcast host for The Intercept.
MSNBC has not commented, but Ayman Mohyeldin will host next week's hour as he expands his hosting duties. At the weekend he will now be at anchor for four hours.