5 Shocking Updates On Joe Scarborough And Mika Brzezinski: Inside The 'Morning Joe' Meltdown And MS NOW Move

The dynamic duo of cable news, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, continue to dominate the political conversation in late 2025, but their professional lives are undergoing a seismic shift, both on- and off-camera. The hosts of MSNBC's—now MS NOW’s—*Morning Joe* have been making headlines not just for their sharp political commentary on figures like Donald Trump and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, but for a controversial increase in their on-air absences, which has reportedly sparked a "workplace meltdown" among network staffers. This deep dive explores the freshest updates, from their new corporate home to the rumors threatening to overshadow their award-winning journalism. The couple, who are also married, are navigating a complex media landscape that includes a major network rebrand and persistent rumors about their commitment to the early morning grind. Despite the professional turbulence, Joe and Mika remain a formidable force, recently celebrating major professional accolades while offering viewers an intimate look at their enduring personal partnership. This article breaks down the most critical, and often surprising, news surrounding the power couple of political punditry.

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski: A Dual Biography and Profile

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski are two of the most recognizable and influential figures in American political media. Their partnership on *Morning Joe* is built on a foundation of contrasting political backgrounds and complementary journalistic styles.

Joe Scarborough (Charles Joseph Scarborough)

• Born: April 9, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Age (2025): 62 years old.
• Education: University of Alabama (B.A.), University of Florida College of Law (J.D.).
• Early Career: Lawyer.
• Political Career: Served as a Republican Representative for Florida's 1st congressional district from 1995 to 2001.
• Media Career: Began hosting *Morning Joe* in 2007. Also an author, writer, and musician.
• Spouse: Mika Brzezinski (married 2018).

Mika Brzezinski (Mika Emilie Leonia Brzezinski Scarborough)

• Born: May 2, 1967, in New York City, New York, U.S.
• Age (2025): 58 years old.
• Education: Williams College (B.A.).
• Family Background: Daughter of the late Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor.
• Media Career: Worked at CBS News, where she was an anchor for *CBS Evening News* weekend edition. Joined MSNBC in 2007 to co-host *Morning Joe*.
• Other Roles: Author of several books, including *All Things at Once* and *Knowing Your Value*.
• Spouse: Joe Scarborough (married 2018).

The MS NOW Rebrand: A 'Start-Up' Feel and Corporate Split

One of the biggest professional developments for Joe and Mika in 2025 is the dramatic corporate shift of their flagship program. *Morning Joe* has moved to the newly rebranded network, MS NOW, following a major corporate spin-off from NBCUniversal. The former MSNBC network was spun off into a new company called Versant, separating it from NBC News after nearly three decades. This move is significant, with some reports suggesting the full spin-off to Comcast shareholders will be completed in 2026. This new structure has given *Morning Joe* a "feel of a start-up," according to Joe Scarborough, despite their long tenure. Mika Brzezinski has publicly addressed the name change, telling viewers, "MS NOW: don't worry, you'll get used to it." The hosts have expressed enthusiasm for the new direction, with some sources claiming the "NOW" in MS NOW stands for "My Source NOW." This corporate maneuver positions the show, which also features co-host Willie Geist, at the forefront of a new era of cable news, where it continues to drive the daily political conversation and dissect the latest polls. The show's continued success was recently underscored by a major professional honor. In 2025, *Morning Joe* received a national Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast journalism, adding to their previous accolades like the duPont-Columbia University Journalism Award and the Hillman Prize.

Rumors of 'Workplace Meltdown' Over High Absences

Despite their professional accolades, the couple has faced significant internal scrutiny in late 2025 due to their increasingly high number of absences from the *Morning Joe* set. Reports from network insiders suggest the frequent time off has sparked a "workplace meltdown" among MS NOW staffers. The core issue appears to be the disruption and additional workload placed on other team members, including Willie Geist, who are left to cover the program. Sources claim that employees are now "largely disdainful" of the co-hosts, viewing their frequent absences as a sign of detachment from the daily grind. There are also unconfirmed rumors of a developing rivalry between the *Morning Joe* team and other high-profile MS NOW hosts, such as Rachel Maddow, further fueling the internal tension. The rumors of a "meltdown" are not entirely new; the couple has faced backlash before, notably following controversial meetings with political figures like Donald Trump in previous years. However, the current situation focuses on their attendance, which is creating a logistical challenge for the early morning news program and raising questions about their long-term commitment to the show in its new corporate home.

Political Commentary: The 2025 Landscape

Joe and Mika remain central figures in the political commentary sphere, offering their analysis on the most pressing issues of 2025. Their discussions consistently focus on the evolving dynamics of the U.S. political landscape, including the state of the Republican Party and the economic challenges facing the nation. In recent broadcasts, the co-hosts have dedicated significant airtime to dissecting the affordability crisis in the country, a topic they have stressed is "very real." They have hosted high-profile guests, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to gain insight into the Democratic Party's strategy on economic policy. Furthermore, they have continued their deep analysis of former President Donald Trump, discussing his political maneuvers and their potential impact on media outlets like CNN. They have also examined recent polls that suggest a significant number of Republicans are "breaking rank," reflecting ongoing problems within the party. Their commentary, which has often been critical of the former President, has evolved over the years, though they remain key voices in the anti-Trump media sphere.

The Enduring Strength of Their Marriage

Amid the professional turmoil and corporate upheaval, the personal relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski remains a constant source of public interest and is reportedly stronger than ever. The couple, who married in 2018, are celebrating nearly eight years of marriage and two decades of working together. Mika has openly shared details about their unique dynamic, stating that their arrangement of being "together 24/7" truly works for them. This constant proximity, both at home and in the studio, is the foundation of their strong personal and professional bond. Their relationship is a key topical entity for the show, providing a unique lens through which they discuss family, work-life balance, and the pressures of their high-profile careers. Despite the persistent rumors of dissatisfaction among their colleagues and the demanding schedule of a daily news program, the couple's personal life appears stable. They continue to navigate the complexities of their shared career, their family life—Joe is a father of four children from his previous marriage—and their roles as influential MSNBC hosts (now MS NOW hosts), demonstrating that their partnership is resilient against the backdrop of a volatile news industry.