Ed Schultz returning to weeknights on MSNBC

Fans of Ed Schultz and his “Ed Show” have reason to cheer. The burly newsman is coming back to MSNBC’s weeknight schedule after spending most of the last four months on a weekend-only program.

Schultz’s new time slot, 5 p.m., will replace one of two nightly airings of “Hardball” with Chris Matthews. Matthews’ show will continue to air in its second time slot, at 7 p.m. on weeknights.

The move is good news for fans of the outspoken Schultz. Though his show had been a weeknight program since it debuted on MSNBC in 2009, in May it began airing on Saturdays. That’s not usually a sign of great confidence in the show on the network’s part.

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Though MSNBC has struggled in its overall ratings since the 2012 election, Schultz was doing well in his weeknight spot, delivering ratings on par with network superstar Rachel Maddow. While some have wondered about the strategy of moving him to weekends, they can at least take comfort in the fact that he’s back where he’s traditionally been on weeknights.

In a statement, Phil Griffin, president of MSNBC said, “Ed Schultz is a force of nature and an important voice to the MSNBC audience. I can’t wait to have him back on weeknights.”

The return of “The Ed Show” during the week will begin Aug. 26.

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