MSNBC Cancels 'The Ed Show,' 'The Cycle' & 'Now With Alex Wagner'

Cable cable channel MSNBC has canceled three shows as it continues efforts to reposition the network and stem a ratings slide.

THE ED SHOW, THE CYCLE and NOW WITH ALEX WAGNER are being canceled and temporary hosts will fill the spots until a new daytime/early evening lineup is announced in September, said a memo announcing the moves sent by MSNBC President Phil Griffin. The 5:00 pm spot previously filled by Ed Schultz will be the home for a new, yet untitled Chuck Todd news show. Ari Melber (who has been appearing on THE CYCLE) will remain on the network as its chief legal correspondent and Wagner will remain in an as yet-to-be-defined role covering the political beat. Ed Schultz, Toure, Abby Huntsman and Krystal Ball will leave the network.

In February, MSNBC canceled daytime shows anchored by Ronan Farrow and Joy Reid and replaced it with a news-driven two-hour block anchored by Thomas Roberts. In Thursday's memo, Griffin said the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. will begin to shift towards that breaking news-driven format. In September, a new 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule will be unveiled that will include former NBC News anchor Brian Williams.