MS NOW Overhauls Schedule: Alicia Menendez, Stephanie Ruhle Move To Daytime, Ali Velshi To Host ‘The 11th Hour,’ Ana Cabrera Departing

What happened

MS NOW announced a major schedule overhaul, its first since the Versant spinoff. Key changes include Ali Velshi taking over The 11th Hour, Stephanie Ruhle returning to mornings, Alicia Menendez flashbacks-and-eves-big-reveal-in-se.html" class="story-link" title="‘Invincible’ Bosses Explain Those Young Nolan Flashbacks and Eve’s Big Reveal in">moving to daytime, and Ana Cabrera departing the network entirely. The changes represent a significant reshuffling under network president Rebecca Kutler's leadership.

Why people care

This marks MS NOW's biggest programming shake-up since becoming part of Versant, signaling the network's new direction under leadership changes. Schedule overhauls at major cable news networks often reflect ratings struggles, strategic pivots, or talent management issues. The departure of Ana Cabrera and multiple host relocations suggest significant internal changes at the network.

The takes

Industry observers say

This represents a necessary strategic repositioning for MS NOW as it establishes its post-Versant identity. The moves put experienced anchors in key time slots and could help stabilize ratings while giving the network a clearer programming identity under new leadership.

Critics say

The extensive reshuffling suggests underlying instability and ratings problems at the network. Moving established hosts around and losing talent like Ana Cabrera indicates the network is struggling to find its footing and may be making reactive rather than strategic decisions.

Sources