Paul Farhi reports for the Washington Post
March 2, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. EST

Chris Matthews, the long-running host of “Hardball” on MSNBC, announced Monday that he is resigning from the program, an abrupt exit prompted by a series of recent gaffes and controversies.

Matthews, 74, made the announcement at the start of his weeknight program. His resignation is effectively immediately, MSNBC said.

Matthews has been a familiar commentator on cable news for the past quarter-century and his departure, which Matthews called a retirement, was a surprise.

The host appeared for about two minutes at the start of his program at 7 p.m. and effectively signed off on his television career. The network immediately went to a commercial break.

Upon return, Steve Kornacki, Matthews’ temporary replacement, told viewers, “That was a lot to take in.” He called Matthews “a giant” and “a legend,” adding “I think you’re going to miss him and I will, too.” He then went to another commercial break.

MSNBC has not announced Matthews’ replacement.

Related:
Chris Matthews announces retirement, mutually parts ways with MSNBC (NBC)
Chris Matthews Out at MSNBC (New York Times)