Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks humorously commented on the viewership of MS NOW during a live segment on the network. While correspondent Jacob Soboroff reported from the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Hanks jokingly asked, “What can I do for the 800 people watching MS NOW?” He then suggested they could “add a zero” to that figure. Soboroff responded that Hanks’ presence would likely boost their audience to millions. The exchange lightened the mood, with Hanks quipping about the potential increase in viewership as he concluded the interview. MS NOW, which recently rebranded from MSNBC, reported an average of 691,000 total day viewers and 1.1 million primetime viewers in early 2026, still trailing behind Fox News Channel’s higher numbers.
Why It Matters
This interaction highlights the ongoing competition in cable news viewership, particularly between liberal and conservative networks. MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, has undergone significant changes and branding efforts amid shifts in audience preferences. The contrast in viewership figures serves to illustrate the challenges faced by networks aiming to attract and retain viewers in a crowded media landscape. Hanks’ comments also underscore the influence of high-profile guests on media ratings, revealing how celebrity presence can impact audience engagement.
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