Morning Joe: Ratings, Popularity, and Behind the Scenes

Why Morning Joe Still Reigns

Let’s be real here—Morning Joe isn’t just another morning show. It’s a powerhouse of political commentary, breaking news, and insightful discussions. In the first quarter of 2025, it ranked as one of MSNBC’s top-performing audio podcasts, pulling in an impressive 1.2 million average monthly downloads. That’s not just numbers—it’s proof that Joe Scarborough and his team are resonating with audiences across the country.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Now, let’s talk about the competition. CNN, with its own morning show hosted by Sara Sidner, Kate Bolduan, and John Berman, averaged around 73,000 viewers in the key demo for the first quarter of 2025. Morning Joe? It brought in an average of 64,000. Sure, it’s close, but Morning Joe has been in the game longer, and its loyal audience keeps it at the forefront. For the past 12 years, Steven Rattner has been publishing his "Year in Charts" for The New York Times, summarizing the year’s most significant events. And guess what? Morning Joe often features these charts, adding depth and context to their discussions.

Joe Scarborough's Vision for the Future

Joe Scarborough isn’t just resting on his laurels. He’s been hosting Morning Joe since 2007, and he’s got some bold ideas to take the show to the next level. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Scarborough opened up about his plans. He wants to push the boundaries, bring in fresh voices, and keep the conversation engaging. It’s clear that Scarborough isn’t afraid to shake things up and keep viewers hooked.

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The Ratings Rollercoaster

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—ratings. MSNBC, including its flagship shows Morning Joe and The Rachel Maddow Show, has been facing some challenges. Last week, the network saw its lowest ratings in 25 years. But here’s the thing: it’s not all doom and gloom. A spokesperson for MSNBC defended Morning Joe’s ratings, pointing out a 17% increase in total viewership since Inauguration Day. That’s significant growth, especially in today’s crowded media landscape.

What’s Driving the Numbers?

MSNBC’s ratings have been on a rollercoaster ride lately. In January 2025, the network experienced a 29% increase over its ratings from the previous January. That’s a pretty impressive bounce back. And it’s not just Morning Joe—MSNBC as a whole has seen a ratings boost since President Donald Trump officially took office in 2025. According to Nielsen ratings, the network is regaining its footing and capturing the attention of viewers nationwide.

Meeting with Donald Trump

One of the most talked-about moments for Morning Joe was when the hosts met with Donald Trump. The 6 a.m. hour of the Monday, November 20 episode, where they discussed this meeting, drew significant attention. While some critics predicted a ratings dip after such a controversial encounter, Morning Joe’s ratings have remained relatively steady since the election, according to Mediaite. That’s a testament to the show’s ability to navigate complex topics and keep its audience engaged.

Engagement and Popularity

So, how does Morning Joe stack up against the competition? If you’re curious about the show’s popularity, engagement, and online activity, you’re not alone. Morning Joe has been consistently ranked among the top talk and news shows on MSNBC since 2022. Fans love the show’s mix of humor, insight, and serious discussions. It’s more than just a morning show—it’s a cultural touchstone for many.

Behind the Scenes

For those who want to dig deeper, Morning Joe’s journey is fascinating. The show first aired on MSNBC on April 9, 2006, and has been a staple of the network ever since. Despite the ups and downs, the show continues to evolve. In the first quarter of 2025, Morning Joe doubled CNN’s morning audience, securing its 40th consecutive quarterly win among total viewers and its 12th in the key demo. That’s a record worth celebrating.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the future looks bright for Morning Joe. With Joe Scarborough at the helm and a dedicated team behind the scenes, the show is poised to continue its reign as one of MSNBC’s top programs. Whether it’s breaking news, political analysis, or insightful interviews, Morning Joe delivers. So, grab your coffee, tune in, and join the conversation. After all, it’s not just a show—it’s a movement.