Who Will Replace Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC?

Amanda Bell
41 Comments
Andrea Mitchell
Art Streiber/MSNBC/NBCU Photo Bank

As Andrea Mitchell retires from her anchoring post on Andrea Mitchell Reports, some viewers are already casting their proverbial ballots for who should take her place in MSNBC’s 12 p.m. ET hour.

Mitchell is retiring from Andrea Mitchell Reports on Friday (February 7), a move she announced back in October 2024.

“In my heart and soul, I am first and foremost a reporter and a storyteller,” she said of her decision. “I want more time to do what I love the most: more connecting, listening, and reporting in the field.” She will remain on staff at MSNBC as a correspondent for the network’s foreign affairs and Washington, D.C. reporting efforts.

While the network has not yet announced who will replace Mitchell in the noon hour, immediately after she announced her plans to step down from the show, several social media users started sharing their favorites to take her place right away.

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Here’s a look at some of the people who’ve been pitched as potential replacements for Andrea Mitchell at the noon hour.

Katie Phang

One of the most popular suggestions so far has been Katie Phang, who currently hosts The Katie Phang Show on MSNBC each Saturday. She’s been with NBC since 2017, working first as a legal analyst before debuting her own show in 2022. She’s also subbed in for some primetime spots for anchors Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, and Lawrence O’Donnell in the past.

One social media user stated the case for Phang in the role by writing, “She is smart, articulate, personable, and educated, especially on all the legal issues that will be spotlighted as tRump finally faces many trials to come. Katie Phang will, unlike Mitchell, help to hold him accountable.”

In response to one fan’s suggestion that she should be given the job, Phang responded with thanks. So, apparently, she’s at least interested in the job.

Mehdi Hasan

Another suggestion for the role was Mehdi Hasan, whose name was already in the news Tuesday after a fellow CNN commentator was banned for making an offensive remark about Hasan’s religious affiliation. He previously hosted The Mehdi Hasan Show for Peacock from 2020 until 2023 and now writes for The Guardian and occasionally hosts a show on Al-Jazeera.

Kyle Clark

Another TV anchor who has been pitched for the position is Denver’s Kyle Clark, who made the national spotlight after moderating the congressional debate between Colorado’s 4th district nominees. His command of the facts, time constraints, and the candidates themselves stunned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel: “He shot out of a cannon,” he said with a laugh. “That’s how you run a debate: like a drill sergeant. Give that man a raise!”


Alicia Menendez

The host of American Voices and then The Weekend has been with MSNBC since 2019 and has filled the anchoring spots for Alex Wagner and Nicolle Wallace, among others. About her potential selection, one social media user wrote, “A Latina who excels every time she covers for @NicolleDWallace  and others @AliciaMenendez  would be wonderful.”

Alicia MenendezAndrea MitchellKatie PhangMehdi Hasan



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  1. B

    BlueLocomotive

    I am glad Andrea will step down. She stumbles sometimes and searches for words. I would love to see Ali Velshi get take her place. He is enjoyable to watch and enthusiastic.

    43 3

  2. P

    PurpleGlasses

    I mourn for the criteria used to evaluate both Mitchell and the replacements suggested to take her place. That said, Ali Velshi should get the spot. Not because he is "enthusiastic" or "watchable" but because he is a quality journalist who consistently goes above and beyond in pursuit of the truth in a story.

    39 2

  3. C

    CyanRaindrop

    Katie Phang or Jim Acosta

    25 3

  4. B

    BlueCactus

    I think it's time that she moved on. Her rambling and excessive unnecessary talking was something she never did in the past. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

    23 5

  5. O

    OrangeCherries

    Mitchell is so unwatchable, that I just turn off the television when she's on. Interestingly, she's a very good field reporter and I'm surprised she didn't opt to make the move years before this. Greatly relieved. I would love to see Katie Phang in the position. Medhi Hasan is another unwatchable for me. He's dour and his tone is often off-putting, although I think he's a good reporter - just not someone I'd tune in for every day.

    23 9

    1. R

      RedTurtle

      Someone take one of Chris Jensen’s hour’s it’s torture to listen for two hours Please whoever gave her two hours needs shot!!’

      6 1

  6. P

    PurpleBug

    Ali Velshi would be my 1st choice, but there are many good options.

    10

  7. P

    PurplePuzzle

    I love Vaughan Hillyard, but don't know if he'd like that spot. Stefanie Ruhl is great.

    13 4

  8. R

    RedHat

    The most important part is she’s finally leaving. The most awful and unwatchable host on msnbc closely followed by Kur and obviously the promotion should go to Katy.

    23 15

    1. C

      CyanGuitar

      Mitchell knows everyone in D.C and most world leaders. She's getting on in years and it shows, but not "unwatchable". She also kept the story of Israeli hostages alive more than anyone else.

      I like Stephanie Ruhl as her replacement.

      16 7

      1. R

        RedTurtle

        Steph has her job and does a good job I look forward to her 11pm show especially her Friday night recap show. I have liked her since she first came to the network and had a show with

        Velchi but 11pm she has found her nich❤️

        2 1

  9. P

    PurpleFlame

    Ali Velshi, Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, Alicia Mendez

    6

  10. C

    CyanBucket

    I think they should move Stephanie Rhule to that time slot

    3

  11. G

    GreenWrench

    Alicia Mendez. She's bright and doesn't grate on my nerves. The others are often abrasive.

    3

  12. R

    RedToast

    Vaughn hillyard

    4 1

  13. J

    Jo Dee

    I'd like to see Katie Tur given two hours. Katie needs to be used more at MSNBC. She's a terrific political reporter and she is just not being given many opportunities, except for her one-hour slot.

    19 17

    1. G

      GoldPuzzle

      Can we give her one of CJ’s hours?

      1 1

  14. R

    RedBee

    Jim Acosta. Formerly on CNN.

    A seasoned anchor.

    Alicia Menendez. She is perfect. Bright and able to initiate conversation with her guests. She is charming and well prepared. Never aggressive.

    1

  15. C

    CyanPumpkin

    I think Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Pete Buttigieg, or Ali Vitali. These individuals would make a great replacement for Andrea Mitchell.

    1

    1. O

      OrangeBus

      I’d give my eye teeth if Liz Cheney would agree!

  16. O

    OliveFan

    Ali Vitali

    1

  17. B

    BlueClover

    It should be Haley Jackson

    1

    1. P

      PurpleBlowdryer

      Haley left her MSNBC afternoon for slot much more prodigious spot NBC news.

  18. G

    GreenSeahorse

    Definitely unwatchable the, I agree. I'm sorry to say I also changed the channel when she came on. It was past time to retire.

    1

  19. B

    BlueCone

    Ali Velshi is the most qualified to take her place. He is professional, knowledgeable, articulate and has the personality to draw in a larger audience. He is well versed on so many aspects of what is happening in US and World politics that he can definitely bring a much more expansive overview as to what is happening and how events can impact many more areas that initially perceived.

    As a female I understand the initial reaction to replace a female with another female but I really feel that the focus should be on expertise, knowledge and abilities.

    1

    1. B

      BluePlanet

      I agree- love it when he’s on the air

      1

    2. P

      PurpleScooter

      Ali is always a top pick with his experience and knowledge of the world. Years ago, I read that he didn't venture (then) into 5X per week, full-time, due to his teaching college classes in NJ or NY. Weekends and subbing work for him. We all love Ali -- esp. we on W. Coast who like SMART people

      5

  20. B

    BlueClover

    Julie Ainsley or Katy Cubie (sp?)

    1

  21. J

    Jo Dee

    Katie Tur is a seasoned reporter and should be given the opportunity.

    11 10

  22. O

    OrangeBus

    Someone who really deserves a shot at her own show is Paola Ramos! Every time I hear her, I think she could be the next Rachel. Maybe Katie Phang, or move Stephanie Ruhle to that time slot. Ali is terrific but I really enjoy his weekend shows!

  23. J

    Jo Dee

    I hope not.

  24. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    An opportunity? She already has an afternoon show, the coveted lead-in to Nicolle!

  25. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    Love Ali and Ayman. So ticked they took Ayman off his late afternoon lead in to Nicolle, burying him late night weekends. Fantastic, serious journalist, not a news reader. Same with Ali, who once upon a time had 2 daytime shows MSNBC, morning and afternoon. "Musical Chairs MSNBC."

  26. G

    GreenSeahorse

    MSNBC should actually create more group shows. The single anchor show is somewhat out of date and can get quite stale if the anchor doesn't know how to use expression or learn more story-telling like Rachel Maddow. I'd love to see another group show!

    1. G

      GoldDucky

      i LOVE RACHEL MADDOW SHE IS POWERFUL COMMUNICATOR. ALSO LIKE ALI VELSHI

  27. G

    GreenSeahorse

    I agree with all names except Alicia Mendez. I like her enough, but she probably should be behind the scenes. She is quite monotone and boring. It's clear she READS every single word from the monitor with very little commentary. When she substitutes for other anchors, I opt not to watch.

  28. O

    OliveGrapes

    Would like to see Mehdi Hasan, Ali Velshi or Katie Phang fill the spot. All come to the table prepared to make us think.

    1

  29. R

    RedSeahorse

    !Kelly O'Donnell . . . She's got the experience, the looks . . . and the chops to pull it off

    1

  30. J

    Jenny Vanderbroek

    It should go to Katie Tur. She is always very informed and asks good questions and gets good answers. Not just what you hear on every other show, but new and different. She has a winning smile too. Tur is good at her job.

    1 2

    1. P

      PurpleBlowdryer

      She's awful. Doesn't know her stuff, fumbles facts and even her guests' names, repeatedly; tries too hard at playing devil's advocate, thinking she's "hard hitting."

  31. P

    PurpleFlame

    Everyone who says Stephanie, is forgetting when she got Brian Wilson's job, she was promoted from the 11am spot. Alicia needs to stay where she is, only good group on weekend. Medhi just was let go not so long ago for saying something offensive on air. So that rules out at least 2. Katie Phang I agree with. Or an easy fix is to move Chris Jansing there for 2 hrs 12-2 and give Katy Tur 2-4. Not a huge fan of Chris, but love Katy.

    1 2