New York City, NY – Mehdi Hasan, host of the popular MSNBC show “The Mehdi Hasan Show,” made a surprising announcement during the program’s final broadcast that he will be leaving the network. Hasan, known for his tough interviewing style and critical stance on various issues, shared the news with viewers on Sunday night.
The decision comes as the network undergoes a weekend programming overhaul, with Hasan’s show being cancelled last November. However, MSNBC clarified that Hasan will still be part of the team as an on-air analyst and fill-in host. The revamped lineup, set to debut this month, will feature a new two-hour morning show hosted by Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders-Townsend, and former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele.
Despite the network framing the cancellation as part of an overall programming shift, there was immediate backlash from progressives, who accused MSNBC of punishing Hasan for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s military response in Gaza. The criticism intensified when the New York Post cited network sources claiming that the show was dropped due to a decline in ratings and uproar over Hasan’s anti-Israel views.
Furthermore, prior to the weekend shake-up, MSNBC faced criticism for allegedly sidelining its Muslim anchors, including Hasan, following the Hamas attacks on October 7. While the network denied these claims, suggesting they were instead prioritizing breaking news coverage during the early days of the Gaza conflict, the perception that Hasan was sidelined due to his pro-Palestinian views persisted.
Hasan, a former al-Jazeera presenter, has garnered widespread praise for his unyielding interviewing technique. As his tenure at MSNBC came to an end, he took to social media to express his gratitude to fans while also challenging the notion that his show’s ratings were the primary reason for its cancellation. Hasan compared his viewership to that of other MSNBC and CNN weekend offerings, hinting that there were other factors at play.
The departure of Mehdi Hasan from MSNBC marks the end of an era for the network and raises questions about the media industry’s approach to dissenting voices. As an influential figure in political commentary, Hasan’s future endeavors will undoubtedly be closely followed by both his supporters and detractors.