The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell is an American weeknight news and political commentary program on MSNBC. The program airs live at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday-Friday, and is hosted by Lawrence O'Donnell from Mondays to Thursdays and relief presenters on Fridays.[1] O'Donnell is described by MSNBC as "providing the last word on the biggest issues and most compelling stories of the day."[2][3]
The show originally premiered in the 10 pm slot Monday-Thursday on September 27, 2010, with the first episode featuring Vice President Joe Biden[4] and Countdown host Keith Olbermann. The show was moved to the 8 pm slot in January 2011 when Olbermann's show was canceled. Last Word returned to its original 10 pm slot in October 2011.[5]
During the 2022 United States elections, The Last Word was temporarily replaced on Fridays with The Kornacki Countdown hosted by Steve Kornacki during the 2022 midterm elections from October 14 to Election Day November 8.[6]
YouGov, a British international Internet-based market research and data analytics firm, collected 1550 interviews' worth of data between July 2020 and October 2020, and concluded: "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell is the 384th most popular contemporary TV show and the 407th most famous. The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell is described by fans as: Smart, Helpful, Never miss it, Intelligent and Fair." It collated the ratings of American views:
21% POSITIVE opinion
12% NEGATIVE opinion
14% NEUTRAL opinion
47% HAVE HEARD OF
YouGov's other findings:
"The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" is more popular among Baby Boomers than among other age groups.
"With 23% positive opinion, The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell is more popular among Men than among Women."[7]
Notable guests
Joe Biden, President of the United States from Vice President of the United States, appeared on September 27, 2010
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, appeared on December 19, 2023. Previously appeared as district attorney the night before her election as California Attorney General, November 2010