Mehdi Hasan says he is leaving MSNBC after his show’s cancellation

Medhi Hasan said he is leaving MSNBC after the network canceled his weekend show.

“I decided it was time to look for a new challenge,” he said at the end of his broadcast on Sunday.

Last year, the station changed its weekend lineup, eliminating its weekend show and announcing that he would continue to serve as a commentator and substitute host. With his tough interview, he was considered a rising star. But his comments, particularly about Israel, have sparked controversy. It included one controversial interview Earlier this month with Mark Regev, adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sunday’s episode was his final show and he told viewers: “As we get into 2024, an election looming, a war still going on and frankly too many Trump hearings to keep track of and now this show disappeared, I decided it was time for me to look for a new challenge. Tonight is not only my last episode of The Mehdi Hasan Show, it’s my last day at MSNBC. Yes, I decided to go. Be clear. I’m so proud, so proud of what we’ve accomplished on this show and on this network. He told viewers they could continue to follow him online.

When the weekend series plans were announced in late November, the cancellation of his show came as a surprise, as his interviews generated many viral moments. His show wasn’t a blockbuster — it averaged about 520,000 viewers in October — but the network often touted how it beat rival CNN in its time slot.

MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote on Threads at the time, “It’s the nature of this business that extremely talented people sometimes get shows canceled.” It’s hard every time, but it comes with the territory (God knows, I’ve been close myself). !)” He went on to call Hasan “one of the most talented journalists I’ve ever seen or worked with, and probably the best in his own right.” American television interviewer. I’m grateful to have him as a colleague .”

Hasan joined the network in 2021 after serving as a presenter on the English channel Al Jazeera and as a podcast host for The Intercept.

MSNBC has not commented, but Ayman Mohyeldin will host next week’s hour as he expands his hosting duties. This weekend he will now be at anchor for four hours.