Lawrence O’Donnell’s Shocking Move: MSNBC Host Courting Rival Networks Amid Contract Talks—Is a Major Defection Coming?

Is MSNBC about to lose one of its most well-known anchors? Lawrence O’Donnell, the longtime host of The Last Word, is reportedly in the process of exploring his options as his contract with the cable network nears its expiration. The news has sent shockwaves through the media world, with insiders suggesting that O’Donnell is eyeing rival networks for his next career move. Could the veteran news anchor be planning a dramatic exit from MSNBC? Is his future in television about to take a bold turn? The speculation has sparked a whirlwind of rumors and has left fans on the edge of their seats.

O’Donnell’s Search for New Opportunities

The 73-year-old news anchor has reportedly been discussing opportunities with rival networks, according to exclusive sources who spoke to The U.S. Sun. It seems that O’Donnell is looking to expand his horizons beyond his current role at MSNBC. Despite being one of the network’s most recognizable figures, O’Donnell’s future appears uncertain as his contract negotiations stall.

“He’s been poking around to see what other options are out there,” an insider said, confirming that O’Donnell, along with his agent, has been exploring potential deals. However, the search has not been without its challenges. The source added that “there isn’t a lot for the money” in terms of viable offers at the moment, which may explain O’Donnell’s reluctance to settle for anything less than a fair deal.

But O’Donnell’s search for new opportunities doesn’t end with just exploring new TV gigs. In a surprising twist, he’s also reportedly looking to return to his roots in scripted television. Before his days as a political commentator, O’Donnell worked as a writer and producer for the hit series The West Wing from 1999 to 2006. Sources suggest that O’Donnell may be eyeing a return to the scripted world, with discussions already underway regarding potential writing projects.

The MSNBC Shake-Up: Changes Behind the Scenes

O’Donnell’s reported contract negotiations come at a time of significant upheaval at MSNBC. Recently, the network has faced a number of shake-ups, including the loss of beloved anchors like Joy Reid and Alex Wagner, who were let go in a wave of layoffs. Additionally, longtime fan-favorite Steve Kornacki, known for his role as the network’s election analyst, has been transferred to NBC, further fueling speculation that MSNBC is going through a period of restructuring.

Moreover, the network has been affected by the corporate shake-up at its parent company, Comcast. In February 2024, it was announced that Comcast would be spinning off parts of its TV business, including NBCUniversal, into a new publicly traded entity, SpinCo. These changes could be directly impacting the way MSNBC handles its talent, and O’Donnell’s negotiations may be part of that larger shift.

The Rachel Maddow Deal: O’Donnell’s High Expectations

Amid all the changes, O’Donnell has reportedly been seeking a deal akin to the one that The Rachel Maddow Show anchor Rachel Maddow received. In an insider reveal, sources claimed that O’Donnell has been asking for “The Rachel Maddow Deal,” which would require him to only appear on air once a week and work on other projects, such as podcasting. Maddow’s highly lucrative contract, which requires her to work only one day a week, is considered an unprecedented deal in the cable news world.

But insiders note that such an arrangement would likely not be offered in today’s media landscape, especially with the changing dynamics at MSNBC. “That’s working about one day a week and recording a podcast, which will never happen again,” the insider said. O’Donnell’s desire for this kind of deal highlights his reluctance to continue in a grueling full-time role and his interest in scaling back his responsibilities.

The Impact of Rachel Maddow’s Return to Full-Time Coverage

O’Donnell’s concerns are also influenced by the shifting landscape at MSNBC, particularly with the return of Rachel Maddow to a full-time role after her brief break during President Trump’s first 100 days. Maddow’s absence from the network had left a gap in MSNBC’s programming, and O’Donnell’s show, The Last Word, was often left to fill that void.

However, with Maddow’s return to full-time anchoring, O’Donnell has expressed concern about the future of his show and the impact that Maddow’s new schedule might have on the ratings. As the network’s lead-in show, Maddow’s program significantly influences O’Donnell’s audience numbers, and the potential decrease in ratings when she returns to a limited schedule has created uncertainty for O’Donnell’s future on the network.

O’Donnell’s Extended Break and the Future of The Last Word

Earlier this year, O’Donnell took an extended break from his usual 10 p.m. slot on The Last Word, citing a health issue and an infection. His break, which began on March 13, lasted until April 1, further raising questions about his future with the network. The extended absence has led to increased speculation about his willingness to continue with MSNBC under its current terms.

Although O’Donnell has remained largely silent about his personal reasons for the break, the timing of his absence and the ongoing contract negotiations suggest that the future of The Last Word could be in jeopardy. Fans are left wondering: will O’Donnell return to his 10 p.m. time slot, or is he preparing for a new chapter in his career?

What’s Next for Lawrence O’Donnell?

As Lawrence O’Donnell continues to explore new opportunities, both within and outside the realm of cable news, the media landscape is watching closely. Could he be preparing for a career-defining shift to a rival network? Or will he stay with MSNBC and continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing media environment?

The answer remains unclear, but what is certain is that O’Donnell’s career is far from over. Whether he decides to stay at MSNBC or seek new pastures, his influence on the cable news world is undeniable, and his next move will certainly shape the future of political commentary on television.

Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as O’Donnell navigates this critical crossroads in his career. One thing is clear: the drama behind O’Donnell’s contract negotiations is just beginning, and the outcome could reverberate through the cable news world for years to come.