MSNBC Cancels Tucker Carlson's Show

UPDATE: David Gregory will headline a show in Tucker's old timeslow. Read about the changes here.

ORIGINAL ITEM: TVNewser is reporting that MSNBC will announce Monday that Tucker Carlson's TV show is being canceled:

Insiders tell TVNewser Tucker Carlson's 6pmET show Tucker is getting the axe, but Carlson stays on as a political contributor to all MSNBC shows at least through the 2008 election. The official announcement, expected tomorrow, will include details about who will replace Tucker at 6pmET as well as other political programming additions. Sources say the network is going to beef up its schedule with more NBC News talent.

In recent days, Jossip, as well as other blogs, ratcheted up the talk that Tucker would be replaced "for a new project." In its 33-month run, Carlson's show has had two names, four time slots and multiple formats. At 6pmET, it builds on its Harbdall lead-in on some days, but loses audience on others.

Keep reading.

Michael Calderone at the Politico spoke with Carlson Sunday night, who confirmed that MSNBC canceled his show:

Tucker Carlson's MSNBC show "Tucker" has been canceled, with an announcement from the network coming tomorrow.

I spoke with Carlson this evening, and the host confirmed reports on media blogs in the past few days about the show getting canceled. But otherwise, Carlson declined comment at this time.

Carlson was on his way to New York where he'll appear on Joe Scarborough's "Morning Joe" at around 6:30. Have a feeling Scarborough will bring it up then.

The move is hardly unexpected. In November, the New York Observer reported that Tucker's days at the network were numbered:

Rumors have been flying recently that Tucker Carlson could soon be on the way out at MSNBC. In a report that aired this morning on NPR, Phil Griffin, a senior vice president at the cable network, described Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as part of the MSNBC "brand". Asked whether Mr. Carlson was also part of that brand, Mr. Griffin replied: "He is right now."

Comments

[kennedy]

Tucker,

Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Low life.

[Centaur]

It's about time that they got rid of the "lil twit'! When I heard about this I thought it was going to be a good day and then the Spitzer bombshell hit. . Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.

[dlkincaid]

One down and several more to go (Matthews, Olberman, Mika, Joe, Willie and so on.

[kennedy]

Amen to that. Get rid of the whole bunch.

[degjack]

Thank you dear Lord!

What took you so long??!

[larmarch5]

Oops, I thought he was on Faux Gnus. I've never seen his show, just clips hear and there.
PBS Newshour has the best commentary and their hour is enough. I do like the CNN coverage. Rachael Maddow for smart commentary and Randi Rhodes for comedy comentary would be a nice addition to any show.

[kroses98]

Especially Randi Rhodes! She would be an excellent addition. Rachael might be a little boring, but never Randi!!!

[moucon]

Especially for the All-Lesbia­n-all-the-­time point of view

[fringedweller]

Don't get rid of him later, get rid of him now!

[TRichards]

Agreed. George W., Hillary, and Tucker seem to have proven that the bad penny is damn tough to get rid of.

[Snickerdo]

couldn't agree more with the most of you guys..bring back responsible journalism..not these crack pot opinionators who think they are a journalist.

[BeefitswhatsforDinner]

Rumor has it MSNBC just signed a contract with Fidel Castro to fill in the new slot. This should satisfy all the freedom hating commi's out there.

[delphillips]

I heard a rumor from an MSNBC news member that Randi Rhodes may be coming to MSNBC soon. Rachel Maddow would be a great addition too.

[Prakosh]

Rachel Maddow would be a nice addition. She is a smart, savvy, and quick Rhodes Scholar and PhD In Political Science. She in knowledgeable and articulate. Randi Rhodes is less scholar and more of a harpie. She is quick and fairly smart, but she isn't in the same league with Maddow. And she doesn't come across too well on television. Maddow at least lets others who don't agree with her say their piece and then she argues their point. She is phenomenal. Rhodes mostly just shouts down anyone who disagrees with her, that is fine, but it isn't going to be good television. The left doesn't really need a leftist version of Bill O'Rielly. Rhodes should stay on the radio.

[KARE]

Boo to both Rachel and Randi. I used to like them when they were fair and balanced. I thougt they supported Demorats but have found they only support far left progressives. I wish they could find some smart people who could tell you why each candidate is good and why each candidate is bad. You know some truthful unbiased coverage. Oh sorry I was daydreaming.

[LasTcHanCe]

Put Amy Goodman on!

[k8k9]

Rachel Maddow would be an awesome replacement. David Gregory wouldn't. He's already made a valient, but painfully uncomfortable attempt at hosting "Morning Joe."

[Didi47]

Keith Oberman part of the MSNBC brand? That's it for me... I'm tuning out... It means only liars - a biased spinners- and bone heads who think the viewer isn't bright enough to believe what they see and hear and need Oberman's interpretation of it... instead; which is usually about as far removed from the truth as one can get!

Tucker of course is also beneath contempt.... but if MSNBC insists on replacing credible journalists with controversial idiots.... then so be it. Goodbye and good riddance. MSNBC has been upsetting my stomach for much too long now. So it's really a relief to tune it out.

[Basho]

What universe are you from? Olbermann's show (note the "l" and two "n's") is by far the hardest hiting news commentary on TV. And commentary is needed. Presenting the facts isn't enough when everyone lies and spins, including Clinton Inc. and Bush Inc. I notice only evaluation and bluster in your post by the way, no facts, no arguments, just frenzied assertions. And unlike you, at least Olbermann is funny. So, change the channel already. Fox News can't be too far down the dial.

[k8k9]

Sorry Tucker! There is a reason you've lost 2 shows now. If you want a little feedback - and even if you don't - what comes across is an arrogant, whiney ass who over-reacts to everything. Calm down and add a little humility to your act

[the964kid]

Although I don't agree with Tucker on any issue - I do find his style pretty open and positive for a conservative. He is the only conservative I have been able to watch ever - and I like how he discusses issues with guests. It's a shame he's losing his show, and I wish him luck with whatever his next media gig is.

[independentrepublicrat]

Eh, I could do without David Gregory having more TV time anywhere. He should stick to only the WH press core where he can shine best. I sense that he has some personal vendetta against Al Roker (just an impression I get everytime he guest hosts). Anyone who dislikes Al Roker, Willard Scott, Robin Roberts, or Diane Sawyer tops the ranks at a definite butthole in my view.

[jessiep]

Best news I've heard in weeks!

If they get rid of Matthews, I might head to Best Buy and get a new t.v.

What long, overdue, good news!