MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan announced Sunday night that he is leaving the left-leaning network during its final primetime broadcast, two months after the cable news giant announced plans to cancel the show.
Hasan, who hosted “The Mehdi Hasan Show” on Sunday, announced the news after previously expected to remain at MSNBC as an analyst and stand-in host.
His show suffered declining ratings and was canceled by network leaders in November as part of a major overhaul of the news organization.
During the show's previous broadcast, Hasan said he was leaving to “look for new challenges” as the new year brings “new plans”.
“With 2024 starting, the election coming up, the war still going on, the Trump trial honestly too many to even keep track of, and this show coming to an end, I think it's time to look for a new challenge. I decided that it had arrived.
“Tonight is not only the last episode of 'Mehdi Hasan Show,' but it's my last day on MSNBC,” he said.
“Yes, I have decided to resign. Let me be clear: I am extremely proud of this show, what we have accomplished on this network, and I would like to thank everyone who watched and supported me. Hey everyone, I can't thank you enough for your feedback. But like I say, we have new plans for the new year.”
The cancellation and departure come as Hasan and fellow anchors Ali Vesi and Ayman Mohieldin were criticized for providing commentary in the immediate aftermath of Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on October 7. It was received and carried out.
In October, the station denied a Semafor report that it had silenced three anchors because of their pro-Palestinian views.
Hasan, known for his combative interview style, has been in the anchor chair since being hired by MSNBC in 2021 after stints at the Qatari-backed English-language Al Jazeera and left-wing publication The Intercept.
The station previously announced that Mohieruddin's 7pm show would be expanded to two hours due to Hasan's show being cancelled.
MSNBC confirms Hasan's resignation to the hill Sunday night.
The Post has reached out to the network for comment.
