Hey news junkies get ready for a fresh face on your weekend TV! Catherine Rampell the Washington Post opinion columnist who you have probably seen breaking down politics and economics all over CNN and other channels is officially joining the MSNBC family. Yep she's getting her own hosting gig and things are about to get interesting on Weekend nights.
Weekend Roundtables Just Got More Interesting: Rampell Joins MSNBC's Primetime Lineup
So what exactly will Catherine be doing? She is set to become a co-host for MSNBC's "Weekend" roundtable program. This is a show the network is really focusing on these days and it sounds like Rampell is going to be a key part of their plan. She will be teaming up with Ayman Mohyeldin and another co-host who is yet to be announced to bring you smart takes on the week's big stories.
If you are a regular MSNBC watcher you might be wondering about the current hosts of "The Weekend". Don't worry Symone Sanders-Townsend Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez are not going anywhere. They are actually moving to a new weekday slot at 7 PM. It is all part of a bigger lineup shuffle at MSNBC. There will even be a morning version of "The Weekend" hosted by Jonathan Capehart Jackie Alemany and Eugene Daniels. It is like weekend roundtable goodness all day long!
From Print to TV: Catherine Rampell's Impressive Journey and Expertise She Brings to MSNBC
For those not super familiar with Catherine Rampell let's just say she knows her stuff. She is well-known for her Washington Post opinion columns where she really digs into politics and the economy. She is not afraid to get wonky with policy and numbers but she also knows how to make it all understandable and engaging. It is this mix of deep knowledge and clear communication that makes her a great addition to MSNBC.
Before landing at the Washington Post Rampell was a special correspondent for "PBS NewsHour" focusing on those same economic and business beats. And even earlier in her career she was an economics journalist theater critic and blogger for The New York Times. Talk about a versatile background! She has covered everything from government budgets to Broadway shows. This broad range of experience will likely make her a really insightful voice on MSNBC.
Rampell's reporting style is known for being in-depth. She has actually toured the Internal Revenue Service to understand how it works and interviewed big names like Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and various regional Fed presidents. She is not just someone who opines from afar she gets into the details and asks the tough questions.
MSNBC Lineup Shake-Up: New President New Strategy in a Changing Media Landscape
Catherine Rampell joining MSNBC is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Rebecca Kutler took over as network president in February 2025 and she is making some bold moves. MSNBC like other news channels is navigating a tricky time. Viewership numbers have shifted after the intense 2024 election cycle and MSNBC is figuring out how to stay relevant and engaging in a world with strong conservative voices.
One key strategy seems to be an increased focus on panel-style shows like "The Weekend". If you look at Fox News Channel their roundtable show "The Five" is often their most popular program. CNN is also finding success with panel formats like "NewsNight" hosted by Abby Phillip. News execs like these shows because they are not solely dependent on one star personality and they let networks showcase a range of talent. If a panelist really clicks with viewers it can even open doors for them to get their own show down the line.
MSNBC also recently made headlines by shifting some big names in their primetime lineup. Jen Psaki took over the 9 PM slot previously held by Alex Wagner and also replaced Joy Reid at 7 PM. These are significant changes as the network adapts to the current media environment and prepares for a potential future as a publicly traded company separate from NBC News. Bringing in someone like Catherine Rampell with her expertise and broad appeal looks like a smart move as they continue to evolve.
Key Facts About Catherine Rampell:
- New co-host of MSNBC's "Weekend" evening roundtable program.
- Washington Post opinion columnist known for her political and economic commentary.
- Former economics and politics commentator for CNN.
- Previously a special correspondent for "PBS NewsHour" focusing on business and economics.
- Former economics journalist theater critic and blogger for The New York Times.
- Holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Princeton University.
- Married to Christopher Conlon an economics professor at Columbia University and NYU Stern School of Business.
Get Ready for Catherine Rampell on MSNBC: Smart Insight and Engaging Conversation Coming Soon
So keep an eye out for Catherine Rampell joining MSNBC in the spring. She is bringing a wealth of knowledge sharp insights and a fresh voice to their weekend lineup. With her background in economics and politics combined with her experience in both print and television she is sure to be a valuable addition to the network. It will be interesting to see how she and her co-hosts shake things up on "The Weekend" and how MSNBC's overall strategy unfolds in the ever-changing world of news.