Rachel Maddow reveals major update as she steps back from nightly show and Ali Velshi steps in on renamed ‘MSNBC Prime’

RACHEL Maddow is revealing a major update as she steps back from her nightly show and Ali Velshi steps in on the renamed “MSNBC Prime” hour.

Maddow steps away from her nightly show to develop other projects for the network, including a film.

Rachel Maddow is stepping away from The Rachel Maddow ShowGetty Images – Getty

Ali Velshi is tapped to host through this week in Maddow’s placeGetty Images – Getty

Going forward, Maddow will only appear on MCNBC on Monday nights.

CNN’s Oliver Darcy reports Ali Velshi will host the 9pm hour through the end of this week. The hour is being called “MSNBC Prime,” he said in a tweet, per an MSNBC spokesperson.

Maddow is reportedly working on a film version of her Bag Man podcast, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The film is being directed by Ben Stiller.

The Rachel Maddow Show debuted on MSNBC in September 2008. It is the recipient of three Emmy Awards. Maddow has received six Emmy nominations for her work on the show.

Maddow was on hiatus from the show earlier this year, returning in mid-April.

The host then made the announcement that she’d be stepping away from the show and only hosting on Monday nights, telling fans, “We will see how things go, but that is the plan as of now.”

She did note that, “For big news events, for things like the leadup to the election, I will of course be here more than that, but that is the general plan.”

Despite MSNBC’s efforts, the Associated Press reported that the ratings for the 9pm slot have fallen since Maddow stepped back from her role.

Fans took to one of Maddow’s recent social media posts showing photos of her in the TV studio to share their thoughts on the news.

“I’m crushed that you’ll only be on once a week but I’m also excited too see what you have in store for us in the future!,” wrote @ericmorgan1996 on Instagram.

“Always a good show. It’s hard to believe we’ll only get this wonderful show once a week,” wrote @ursulatarsio.

“We are living dark times and we can’t lose you now. Please stay at least until there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said @francheska305.

“I always miss you when you are not hosting the show. I understand other projects are beckoning, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate your intellect and analysis on the deep trouble we are in. Thank you,” wrote @anitaesthere.

MSNBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.