MS NOW is expanding its partnership with Crooked Media by adding the political comedy programme Lovett or Leave It to its Saturday night television schedule, starting 12 September. Hosted by former Obama speechwriter and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett, the show will air at 11pm following the channel's existing Crooked Media podcast block, reflecting a broader strategy of filling weekend airtime with podcast-derived content rather than traditional reruns.

The programme features Lovett and a rotating panel from politics, comedy, journalism and business discussing the week's news, and builds on a deal struck earlier this year that already brings segments from shows such as Strict Scrutiny, Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams and Pod Save the World to the channel. MS NOW says the existing Crooked Media block has attracted new audiences, with half of Saturday night viewers new to the slot and nearly two-thirds of under-55 viewers new to the channel altogether, a sign that digital podcast fans may be drawn to a televised version. The move also fits into parent company Versant's wider push across linear and digital platforms, including a relaunched Fandango streaming service and new CNBC offerings alongside an MS NOW membership programme.