Countdown with Keith Olbermann: A History of Political Commentary
Countdown with Keith Olbermann stands as a significant chapter in the evolution of American cable news, transitioning from a straightforward news recap show to a powerhouse of progressive political commentary. Over two decades, the program moved across networks and formats, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of opinion-driven journalism.
The MSNBC Era
The program originated as a successor to Countdown: Iraq, a show hosted by Lester Holt that provided coverage of the Iraq War from October 2002 to March 31, 2003. When Keith Olbermann returned to MSNBC in the early 2000s, he replaced Holt and took over the renamed Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Initially, the show avoided political commentary, utilizing a "5-4-3-2-1" format to recap the day's top news stories.
By 2005, the show's tone shifted. Olbermann began to attract a liberal and progressive audience by satirizing conservative media, specifically targeting Fox News and anchor Bill O'Reilly. This period was marked by the introduction of the "Worst Person in the World" segment, which frequently featured O'Reilly. This sparked a contentious relationship between the two networks, with Fox personalities accusing MSNBC of facilitating a liberal media bias.
In 2006, Olbermann introduced "Special Comments," sharp critiques of the George W. Bush administration. These segments focused heavily on foreign and domestic policies, particularly the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While primarily critical of Republicans, Olbermann occasionally targeted Democrats. His advocacy against California's Proposition 8 in 2008 earned him a 2009 GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding TV Journalism Segment."
The show also served as a launchpad for other prominent journalists. Guest hosts Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell proved so popular that they were eventually given their own MSNBC programs, The Rachel Maddow Show and The Last Word, respectively. Other notable guest hosts included Cenk Uygur, Sam Seder, Chris Hayes, and Howard Dean.
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Hiatus and First Cancellation
The first major disruption occurred in November 2010. Olbermann was suspended indefinitely without pay by MSNBC President Phil Griffin after donating $2,400 each to three Democratic candidates, violating network policy regarding prior approval for political contributions. Despite a petition with over 250,000 signatures, the tension persisted.
On January 21, 2011, Olbermann abruptly announced his final broadcast. While neither the network nor Olbermann initially disclosed the reason, speculation arose regarding Comcast's acquisition of NBC Universal. However, media critics and former colleagues suggested that the 2010 suspension was the primary catalyst. Olbermann later claimed he faced increasing opposition from management following the 2008 death of Tim Russert, who had been his advocate at the network.
The Current TV Period
In February 2012, Olbermann joined Current TV, a network founded by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt. He took on the role of "Chief News Officer," purchased an equity stake, and revived the Countdown title. The new iteration featured a wide array of contributors, including Michael Moore, Ken Burns, John Dean, and Matt Taibbi.
The show debuted on June 20, drawing 179,000 viewers—a massive increase from Current TV's average of 30,000. In its first week, it outperformed CNN in the key 25-54 age demographic. Despite early success, Olbermann soon clashed with management over creative control and production values.
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Second Cancellation and Legal Battles
On March 30, 2012, Current TV terminated Olbermann's contract, citing a lack of "respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty." Internal reports suggested that repeated absences and disparaging comments about the network led to the firing. Olbermann responded by suing for breach-of-contract, seeking $50 million, while Current TV countersued, alleging abusive treatment of staff. The two parties reached a settlement in March 2013.
Following the cancellation, Olbermann admitted on The Late Show with David Letterman that he had "screwed up," citing production issues and in-fighting as contributing factors.
Transition to Podcasting
On August 1, 2022, the brand returned in a new medium. The daily podcast Countdown with Keith Olbermann launched on iHeartMedia. This format blends current events, political analysis, and sports with career anecdotes and the return of the "Worst Person in the World" segment.
Key Facts
- Original Format: Started as a non-commentary news recap using a "5-4-3-2-1" structure.
- Signature Segments: Known for "Special Comments" and the "Worst Person in the World" list.
- Talent Pipeline: Helped launch the careers of Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell at MSNBC.
- Awards: Won a 2009 GLAAD Media Award for journalism regarding Proposition 8.
- Network Transitions: Moved from MSNBC to Current TV, and eventually to an iHeartMedia podcast.
| Period/Year | Network/Platform | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2003–2011 | MSNBC | Transition from news recap to progressive commentary; launch of "Special Comments." |
| 2011 | MSNBC | Suspension over political donations followed by final broadcast. |
| 2012 | Current TV | Relaunch as Chief News Officer; initial ratings surge followed by termination. |
| 2013 | Legal | Settlement reached after breach-of-contract lawsuit with Current TV. |
| 2022–Present | iHeartMedia | Launch of the daily Countdown podcast. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Keith Olbermann suspended from MSNBC in 2010?
He was suspended for violating network policy by donating $2,400 each to three Democratic candidates for Congress without obtaining prior approval from management.
What were the "Special Comments"?
These were occasional, sharp critical essays delivered by Olbermann, primarily targeting the George W. Bush administration's foreign and domestic policies.
Which famous hosts got their start as guest hosts on Countdown?
Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell both hosted Countdown in Olbermann's absence before being given their own shows on MSNBC.
Why did Current TV cancel Countdown in 2012?
The network cited a lack of loyalty and collegiality, while internal sources pointed to Olbermann's repeated absences and disparaging comments about the network.
Where can you find Countdown today?
Countdown currently exists as a daily podcast airing on iHeartMedia, featuring political analysis, sports, and career anecdotes.