Maddow taking break from MSNBC show to work on film, podcast projects: report

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow will reportedly take a hiatus from her show to pursue other projects.

Business Insider reported Monday, citing an MSNBC source, that Maddow will be taking a break from “The Rachel Maddow Show” to focus on a new podcast and feature film for NBCUniversal.

Her final show before the hiatus will reportedly be on Friday. Maddow, who hosts the 9 p.m. weekday slot on MSNBC, extended her contract with the cable network last year. It is MSNBC’s highest-rated show.

It was reported then that part of Maddow’s deal included working with NBCUniversal, the parent company of MSNBC, on creating new projects.

She will be replaced by “a rotating series of hosts” during her break, which is set to take place over “several” weeks, Business Insider reported.

According to the outlet, Maddow will be developing a feature film based on her “Bag Man” podcast, with Ben Stiller directing and Maddow as executive producer. The seven-episode 2018 series told the story of former Vice President Spiro Agnew.

MSNBC has yet to announce any changes to Maddow’s schedule. The Hill has reached out to the network for comment. 

Maddow, a popular prime-time host especially among liberal viewers, agreed to stay on at the network through 2024 after she and the network reached a deal that reportedly pays her $30 million per year.

Her reported hiatus comes amid other changes at MSNBC. 

Stephanie Ruhle, a morning anchor for MSNBC and senior business correspondent for NBC News, will replace Brian Williams in the network’s nightly 11 p.m. slot. The network will also fold the 9 a.m. slot into “Morning Joe,” which begins at 6 a.m.