MSNBC’s highly anticipated new primetime show The Briefing, hosted by former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, is already struggling to hold onto viewers — particularly in the all-important 25-54 age demographic coveted by advertisers.
After a strong premiere night on Tuesday, Psaki’s second episode on Wednesday saw a steep decline, shedding nearly half her total audience and more than half of her viewership among younger adults. According to data reported by Fox News, The Briefing pulled just 65,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo, down from 139,000 the night before. Total viewership also fell from 1.2 million to 1 million.
The sharp drop is raising eyebrows across the media industry, especially since MSNBC handed Psaki the high-stakes 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday — a time once dominated by Rachel Maddow, whose Monday-only presence still garners close to 2 million viewers with a stable showing in the demo.
Psaki’s ratings woes were underscored by comparisons to unexpected competitors. Reruns of Friends, Seinfeld, and even Paw Patrol reportedly outperformed The Briefing among the 25-54 demographic — a major red flag for a show that was expected to help solidify MSNBC’s hold on progressive viewers.
Meanwhile, Fox News’ Sean Hannity continued to dominate the time slot, pulling in 2.64 million total viewers and a massive 312,000 in the demo — more than quadrupling Psaki’s numbers. Even CNN, which has faced its own ratings troubles, outpaced The Briefing in the demo, with Kaitlan Collins drawing 75,000 viewers aged 25 to 54.
Psaki has leaned further into progressive commentary, using her platform to attack the second Trump administration, which she called “the most dangerous presidency in my lifetime.” She’s also signaled plans to highlight up-and-coming progressive politicians, such as Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
Psaki’s insider status and close ties to Democratic power players were touted as key strengths when MSNBC launched the show. Maddow herself endorsed Psaki as a worthy successor, saying her Washington connections would make the program “better than ever.” But with Psaki now drawing less than half the audience Maddow once commanded, questions are mounting about whether The Briefing can survive in primetime.
MSNBC host Jen Psaki offered glowing praise for New York Attorney General Letitia James during one of her first interviews on The Briefing, calling her “quite fearless” for her efforts to prosecute President Donald Trump. The interview came as James, who is under federal investigation for allegations of mortgage fraud, discussed her ongoing legal battles with Trump. At the end of the conversation, James pledged to remain “relentless,” “unflinching,” and “fearless” in her efforts. Psaki, visibly appreciative of James’s remarks, responded, “There’s no question, anyone watching right now can feel your force and your fearlessness. And I think so many people are grateful for all the work you’re doing to hold this administration to account through the law.”
Despite the FBI and U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York reportedly launching a criminal investigation into James after allegations surfaced that she falsified mortgage records, Psaki chose not to press on the matter. Instead, she posed a question to James about the investigation, clarifying that she was “not validating” the reports but simply seeking confirmation. James dismissed the allegations as politically motivated retaliation, maintaining that they were “baseless.” However, the federal probe into James revolves around claims that she falsely described a Norfolk, Virginia, property as her “principal residence” in 2023, even though New York law requires her primary residence to be in the state. While the investigation continues, Psaki’s effusive praise of James stood in stark contrast to the growing scrutiny surrounding the New York Attorney General.
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Why is this a surprise? The only people that watch MSNBC are left wingers with low IQ’s. All Psaki has ever done is lie and never got anything straight even if it was true. Like Biden, she’s a loser.
Maybe Peppermint Patty can have Snoopy as a special guest. Or interview the Red Baron.