After nearly two decades as co-hosts — and eight years as a married couple — Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have found a rhythm that works seamlessly both on and off air.
When Brzezinski jumps onto a Zoom call to discuss recent updates to their show Morning Joe, she jokes that Scarborough is running behind because he’s “stuffing his face with a baked potato.”
“We’re together 24/7, and that really works for us,” she says with a laugh.
Moments later, Scarborough joins and confirms the sentiment: “For some people, it may seem strange, but we love being together all the time.”
They’ve learned that no one understands the intensity of their work better than the person sitting beside them every morning.
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“Getting up at 4:30 and being shot out of a cannon at 6 for four hours — there’s literally nobody else who understands that like she does,” Scarborough says.
Brzezinski, 58, believes that shared experience has made their bond stronger. And even when Scarborough suggests social gatherings, she reminds him that their job already feels like a daily dinner party.
“The conversation is like a dinner party with exactly the people we’d invite — and then they all leave,” she quips. “It’s perfect.”
“And we don’t even have to wash the dishes,” they add together.
Their Differences Balance Them Out
Scarborough once had a reputation for cutting it close — even to the start of their live broadcast. Brzezinski wasn’t amused.
“I was like, what is his problem? Being late is rude,” she recalls. Now, thanks to her structure, he says, “I’m not late on Mika’s clock.”
They also decompress differently. Scarborough checks out after the show to regain perspective. Brzezinski? She stays glued to the news.
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“When we first got married, I had no idea Mika watched cable news 24 hours a day,” Scarborough says, laughing.
On weekends, Scarborough unwinds by playing music and watching sports with his teenage son. Brzezinski prefers productivity: workouts, cooking, and time with pets. Recipes optional.
A Strong Foundation Amid Network Changes
The pair say they were completely prepared for the recent transition from MSNBC to MS NOW, which officially launched Nov. 15.
Though programming times and channels remain unchanged, the revamped network aims to operate with a more agile, cost-effective reporting structure.
Brzezinski says the shift doesn’t feel overwhelming as long as their on-air family remains intact.
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“We’re excited about working with Willie [Geist], Mike [Barnacle], Jonathan [Lemire]… We’re good if we’re together,” she says. “Call us anything — the show doesn’t change.”
Scarborough agrees: “It’s all about telling stories and building a community.”
Expanding Their Voice Beyond Television
Scarborough recently launched a weekday newsletter, The Tea Spilled By Morning Joe, featuring his takes on the day’s headlines and highlights from each show.
Brzezinski says it’s already growing quickly. Scarborough adds that he hopes to expand into digital town halls and interactive conversations with journalists, policy leaders and analysts. Their goal: stay relevant and connected.
Looking Forward With Optimism
Despite the rapid evolution of media and technology — including AI entering the newsroom — Scarborough remains hopeful.
“There will always be a need for distinct voices who communicate well and tell stories,” he says.
Brzezinski reflects on their journey together:
“We feel so lucky. Almost 20 years later, we’re still here, and it’s still vital.”
Morning Joe airs weekdays at 6 a.m. ET on MS NOW.
