Jen Psaki’s shiny new MSNBC gig is already losing its luster and is in serious danger as Americans tune out of the leftist mainstream media.
The New York Post reported that Psaki’s show, “The Briefing,” launched Tuesday in the 9 p.m. slot, but by Wednesday, viewership cratered, especially among the coveted 25-54 demographic, signaling trouble for the former White House Press Secretary’s prime-time dreams. This isn’t the comeback story she hoped for.
Psaki, who ditched her White House role in 2022, kicked off “The Briefing” with 1.2 million total viewers and 139,000 in the 25-54 group. Not bad for a debut, but hardly earth-shattering. The real story came next.
Wednesday’s episode tanked, pulling just 1 million viewers and a measly 65,000 in the 25-54 demographic. That’s a 46% drop in total viewers and a brutal 54% collapse in the key demo. Ouch.
Compare that to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, who crushed it Tuesday with 2.64 million viewers and 312,000 in the 25-54 group. Even CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, with 468,000 total viewers, outdid Psaki’s Wednesday demo numbers. Seems like viewers are voting with their remotes.
Psaki’s old Sunday show, “Inside with Jen Psaki,” must feel like a distant memory now. Her prime-time flop is a far cry from the White House podium. Actions, it turns out, have consequences.
Rachel Maddow, who Psaki replaced in the 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday, used to dominate with 1.9 million viewers and 141,000 in the 25-54 demo. Psaki’s Wednesday numbers are a pale imitation—46% lower in total viewers and 54% lower in the demo. Tough act to follow.
Maddow, now only on Mondays, had kind words: “The thing she has which I do not have… is that she both knows people and knows how to talk to people.” Nice try, Rachel, but knowing people doesn’t seem to keep viewers tuned in.
Maddow admitted, “I don’t know anybody in Washington… and it’s on purpose.” Yet her hermit vibes still outdrew Psaki’s schmoozy charm. Maybe viewers prefer substance over style.
Psaki’s no stranger to bashing Trump, calling his second term “the most dangerous presidency in my lifetime.” Bold words, but they’re not packing the punch she expected. Her Wednesday demo numbers lagged behind reruns of “Friends” and even “Paw Patrol.”
She told Rolling Stone it’s “not just because of what he’s doing day to day, but because his desire seems to be to reshape how our government works.” Sounds like a lecture, not a ratings winner. Viewers aren’t buying it.
MSNBC’s bet on Psaki’s name recognition is looking shaky. Her anti-Trump tirades might thrill the coastal elite, but middle America seems to be changing the channel.
Fox News and even struggling CNN are eating Psaki’s lunch. Hannity’s Tuesday haul was more than double her debut, and Collins’ demo numbers held stronger than Psaki’s second night.
Psaki’s slide isn’t just about competition—she’s losing to sitcom reruns and kids’ shows. When “Bob’s Burgers” and “That '70s Show” draw more 25-54 viewers, it’s time to rethink the game plan.
The Briefing’s early stumble suggests MSNBC’s woke playbook might be running out of steam. Psaki’s prime-time experiment is off to a rocky start, and viewers are sending a clear message. Time will tell if she can turn it around.