MSNBC: Rachel Maddow’s Real Ratings Revealed Since Trump’s Victory

Rachel Maddow has been a significant figure in American political commentary, especially during tumultuous periods such as the Trump administration. With MSNBC experiencing fluctuations in viewership, Maddow’s ratings have often been scrutinized to assess her impact on the network and the broader landscape of cable news.

Background on Rachel Maddow’s Ratings Performance

Following the election of Donald Trump in November 2023, MSNBC faced a notable ratings shift. In the immediate aftermath, the network’s primetime average plunged to approximately 660,000 viewers, with just 55,000 in the crucial 25-54 age demographic. This was a stark decline from earlier figures, which showed the network attracting about 1.3 million viewers and 114,000 in the key demo in December.

The Resurgence of Maddow’s Viewership

In a bid to rebuild its audience, MSNBC reinstated Rachel Maddow to a five-night-a-week schedule to cover Trump’s first 100 days in office. This strategic decision paid off. In January 2025, Maddow’s show recorded an impressive average of 1.711 million total viewers and 137,000 within the coveted demographic. The upward trend continued into February, where her viewer count surged to 1.945 million, along with an increase to 181,000 in the 25-54 age group.

By early March, Maddow’s program maintained robust ratings, averaging 1.917 million viewers. Compared to other cable news channels, her performance was commendable, consistently placing in the Top 15 for both total viewers and the 25-54 demographic. This resurgence underscored Maddow’s significant role in bolstering MSNBC’s viewership.

Impact on MSNBC’s Programming Strategy

Maddow’s resurgence in ratings has also positively influenced surrounding programming on MSNBC. Shows like “All In with Chris Hayes” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” benefited from the increased audience flow, showcasing the ripple effect Maddow’s popularity can have on the network’s overall ratings.

Looking ahead, there is much speculation regarding Maddow’s future schedule. As she neared the completion of her 100-day commitment in late April 2025, many wondered whether she would revert to her original weekly format or maintain a nightly presence. Given her recent success, it seems likely that MSNBC’s executives would be inclined to keep her in a prominent spot, especially in the wake of network changes, including the cancellation of “Alex Wagner Tonight.” Maddow’s journey highlights her continued relevance in the evolving media landscape.

Rachel Maddow’s return to a more frequent hosting schedule has significantly rejuvenated MSNBC’s ratings, showcasing her enduring appeal as a news presenter and hinting at potential shifts in the network’s future programming strategies.

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Source: CNN