Lawrence O’Donnell Eyes New Horizons as MSNBC Contract Nears End

Veteran journalist Lawrence O’Donnell, a cornerstone of MSNBC’s lineup at 73, is reportedly exploring fresh opportunities as his contract with the network approaches its conclusion, according to an exclusive source speaking to The U.S. Sun. With MSNBC poised to break away from NBC under a major corporate restructuring, the seasoned anchor appears to be weighing his next move in a rapidly shifting media landscape.

MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell is 'pitching himself to rival networks for new  TV shows' as contract comes to an end | The US Sun

The insider revealed that O’Donnell and his agent have been discreetly investigating alternative paths, though high-paying options seem scarce. “Lawrence has been looking around to see what’s out there, but the kind of money he’s used to isn’t easy to find,” the source noted. As his current deal nears its end, O’Donnell’s deliberations signal a potential pivot after years as a trusted voice on The Last Word.

Beyond news, O’Donnell is also dipping back into the world of scripted television, a realm he knows well from his days as a writer and producer for The West Wing between 1999 and 2006. During a recent hiatus from MSNBC, he spent time in Los Angeles, where he still owns a home. “He was out there exploring ideas for writing a new TV series,” the source shared, hinting at a creative resurgence for the anchor. The U.S. Sun reached out to O’Donnell’s representatives for comment but has yet to receive a response.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell exploring new network as contract nears end - TV  - Entertainment - Daily Express US

MSNBC’s looming transformation adds context to O’Donnell’s search. Earlier this year, Comcast, NBC’s parent company, unveiled plans to spin off several assets, including MSNBC, into a standalone, publicly traded entity dubbed SpinCo. This shakeup has already triggered significant changes at the network, with prominent figures like Joy Reid and Alex Wagner departing in a wave of talent cuts. Just this week, Steve Kornacki, the network’s celebrated election-night analyst known for his Big Board breakdowns, was reassigned to NBC, marking another high-profile shift.

O’Donnell’s tenure at MSNBC has cemented his reputation as a sharp, principled commentator, but the network’s evolving priorities and recent turmoil may be prompting his reassessment. His time in LA suggests a desire to diversify his career, potentially blending his journalistic roots with narrative storytelling. Whether he’s crafting dialogue for a fictional drama or anchoring another news desk, O’Donnell’s experience commands attention in any arena.

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For now, O’Donnell remains a fixture at MSNBC, but the uncertainty surrounding his contract and the network’s future casts a shadow. Will he stay to guide MSNBC through its next chapter, or will he chase a new venture—perhaps on the screenwriting stage or with another outlet? As the media world watches, O’Donnell’s next step could redefine his legacy, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, there’s always room for reinvention.