The much-rumored but yet-to-be-confirmed primetime show on MSNBC hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez now has a name and release date.
The Weeknight will be seen on Mondays from 7-9 PM ET and from 7-8 PM ET Tuesdays through Fridays. The name for the new show mimics that of the previous program helmed by the trio — The Weekend — that was seen until earlier this year. Lasting 18 months as a weekend show, the program saw total viewership grow by 35% during its tenure. It also grew 32% in the key Adults 25-54 demographic.
The new program will debut on Monday, May 5th. Additionally, the role of Jen Psaki will expand the following day, as she’ll officially take over the 9 PM ET hour from Tuesday through Friday.
Before joining MSNBC, Symone Sanders Townsend was a senior advisor to the 2020 campaign of President Joe Biden. She also served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Michael Steele was the first African American to serve as the Lt. Governor of Maryland as well as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He has long served as an MSNBC political analyst and also hosts The Michael Steele Podcast.
Menendez has been with MSNBC since 2019, serving as a weekend host. Previously, she served as a correspondent for PBS’ Amanpour & Company, as well as host of Alicia Menendez Tonight. She is the daughter of former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
The news of The Weeknight being added to the primetime lineup at MSNBC comes as the network has revamped its offerings in that window. Sanders Townsend, Steele, and Menendez step into the timeslot previously occupied by Joy Reid before her high-profile exit from the network earlier this year.
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