Kasie Hunt to host lead-in show for MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’

MSNBC announced Thursday that Washington correspondent Kasie Hunt has been named the host of “Way Too Early,” reviving the lead-in show for “Morning Joe.”

Hunt, who joined NBC News in 2013, has seen her star rise at MSNBC in recent years. The 35-year-old, who started hosting “Kasie DC” on weekend nights in 2017, will switch to her new 5 a.m. ET weekday show on Sept. 21.

Some personal news! Can’t wait to see you all Way Too Early starting 5 am ET Sept. 21 @MSNBC!! Just beyond thrilled to join the @Morning_Joe family @JoeNBC @morningmika @WillieGeist https://t.co/IAGBPgFwXk

— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) September 10, 2020

The cable news network also announced two new live weekend programs starting Sept. 19.

Alicia Menendez, daughter of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), will host “American Voices” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday.

The former Fusion TV host is also already host of the “Latina to Latina” podcast.

Former NPR host Joshua Johnson will host “The Week” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Johnson joined MSNBC earlier this year.

MSNBC is enjoying its best ratings since it launched in 1996, averaging more than 2.1 million viewers in prime time last month.