MSNBC’s Hayes Defends Lockup Reruns: Sometimes It’s ‘Highest Rated Show’ on Network

A Chris Hayes fan finally asked the MSNBC host the question every cable news observer has wondered: why does MSNBC air so many freaking reruns of the prison documentary series Lockup?

“What level of ratings does MSNBC receive during Lockup reruns?” asked the fan in a Facebook Q&A. “Do you believe that the station’s abandonment of news during the weekends may have something to do with the overall ratings?”

Hayes, to his credit, tackled the question head-on: “I’m glad you asked: Lockup rates incredibly well! In fact, quite often on Fridays it’s the highest rated show on the entire network!” (All In with Chris Hayes also airs on Fridays.)

Hayes warned his progressive fans not to assume that just because they prefer certain MSNBC shows, everyone else does (and vice versa). “It may be the case that no one you know watches or likes Lockup,” he said. “But believe me, there are LOTS of people who do.”

“That is not, I hasten to add a *substantive* defense of Lockup or any other programming decision, the merits of which I’m not going to comment on one way or another,” Hayes said. “But it’s a caution not to assume that your own preferences, in political ideology, or TV viewing are necessarily widely shared.”

[Image via MSNBC]
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