Rachel Maddow’s Criticism of MSNBC Bosses Backfires Spectacularly as Her Ratings Take a Major Hit

Rachel Maddow, the prominent host of MSNBC’s flagship evening news program, has found herself in hot water following her public criticism of the network’s management.

The repercussions of her remarks have resulted in a significant decline in her show’s ratings, marking a stark contrast to the viewership numbers she once enjoyed. Maddow’s disparagement of MSNBC’s leadership has not only affected her audience but has also led to intense scrutiny regarding her future at the network.

Maddow’s Declining Audience Numbers

Recent statistics illustrate a troubling trend for Rachel Maddow’s program. Once boasting an impressive average viewership of approximately 2.3 million, her ratings have plummeted to around 1.8 million, indicating a damaging 22% drop in overall audience.

The decline is even more pronounced within the coveted demographic of viewers aged 25-54, where she has experienced nearly a 29% loss. This substantial drop points to a possible shift in viewer preferences, especially as the political climate continues to evolve.

As 2025 progressed, Maddow’s ratings spiraled downward, losing roughly 24% of her audience compared to the same period in the previous year.

Industry analysts have linked this downturn to MSNBC’s recent decisions regarding personnel changes, especially the departure of several prominent non-white hosts, including the popular Joy Reid. Maddow, taking a stand on these developments, voiced her discontent on air, labeling the network’s actions as “disturbing” and underscoring the negative impact on diversity within prime-time programming.