*MSNBC is reportedly looking at Steve Kornacki, Joy Reid and Shepard Smith to replace Chris Matthews following his surprise retirement announcement last week.
Matthew’s is leaving the show he has hosted for 20 years to get ahead of the slew of sexual misconduct accusations against him that are reportedly set to drop in the coming weeks.
According to Page Six, folks on social media are hoping Reid will be tapped to lead “Hardball.”
She currently hosts MSNBC’s weekend show “AM Joy” and often substitutes for MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes. As noted by NewsOne, the 7 p.m. “Hardball” slot will be a challenging spot to fill.
“It comes straight after the evening news, when viewers want anchors to weigh in with their own thoughts and analysis — not just read the headlines, so it’s a tough gig,” a senior news TV source told Page Six.
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— Hardball (@hardball) March 3, 2020
Last week, Matthews announced his departure from “Hardball” opening his show with, “I want to start with my headline tonight: I’m retiring.”
“This is the last ‘Hardball’ on MSNBC and obviously this isn’t for a lack of interest in politics,” he continued.
“After a conversation with MSNBC, I decided tonight will be my last Hardball. So, let me tell you why,” he said. “The younger generations out there are ready to take the reins. We see them in politics, in the media, in fighting for their causes. They are improving the workplace.”
Matthews added, “Compliments on a woman’s appearance that some men, including me, might have once incorrectly thought were OK, were never OK. Not then and certainly not today, and, for making such comments in the past, I’m sorry.”
His announcement came after frequent guest of the network, GQ columnist Laura Bassett, alleged that Matthews made inappropriate remarks about her appearance.
This slot should go to @JoyAnnReid !!! She’d be briiliant and MSNBC has no Black hosts in primetime. Shameful. https://t.co/5sn1rIikIN
— Aisha C. Moodie-Mills (@AishaMoodMills) March 3, 2020
Hey @MSNBC with Chris Mathews retirement today I would like you to give a daily evening show to @JoyAnnReid She is smart, thoughtful and so deserving. Retweet if you agree Thanks! pic.twitter.com/aKIlOe7uEV
— Heather RN Demands Action (@winterpersists) March 3, 2020
An MSNBC insider told Page Six that network executive Phil Griffin told Matthews “he had to resign or retire immediately” amid the numerous accusations of harassment against him.
“The news was kept a secret at the network until around 6 p.m. on Monday when all the senior staff were informed Matthews would retire at the top of his show, at 7 p.m.,” the insider explained.
In shock. But let me say: being on @hardball was on my dream board from back in my @MiamiHerald column days. Chris Matthews not only let me on as a guest, he was 1 of the 1st to let me fill in. He has always been a genuine supporter & friend, who even sang for me when I was down. https://t.co/bwj5PK2TGs
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 3, 2020
An MSNBC spokeswoman said there will be a rotating group of people from the network filling in for Matthews until a permanent replacement is hired.
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