Why Kasie Hunt is leaving NBC and where she's going next

Kasie Hunt will no longer be greeting MSNBC's Way Too Early fans. In an announcement that left viewers surprised, the rising NBC News correspondent for Capitol Hill said back in July she'd be moving on.

Early risers might have thought they'd mistakenly tuned into The Morning Show, considering how dramatic the news felt initially. Especially with the news that the reporter will be transitioning to a new home, which is considered a direct competitor of NBC.

"This is going to be my final broadcast with you up way too early,” she said at the end of the program. “I have really loved spending most of the last year with you, seeing your pets and your babies, and learning why you are awake and watching. And, of course, bringing you the news.”

Where is Kasie Hunt going after leaving MSNBC?

After an eight-year run on NBC, Kasie is making a move over to CNN where she'll be reporting for their new streaming platform CNN+. The news platform shared its plans to expand and grow its network, which included an increase in company headcount. 

Kasie shared her exciting news over Twitter where she revealed she'd be a part of a new political show.

"Can't wait to join the team of incredible journalists @CNN—I'm so excited to be part of the launch of @CNNplus and the streaming future of news—my new political show coming in 2022!" she announced.

Kasie's move to CNN marks a major milestone for the news outlet as she becomes the first of many planned new hires for its rapid growth plan.

To celebrate the occasion, CNN took to social media to make her transition official.

"We are thrilled to welcome @kasie Hunt to CNN as our new anchor and chief national affairs analyst. Kasie will host a new daily politics show on @CNNPlus and her reporting and analysis will appear on both CNN+ and @CNN. Please join us in welcoming Kasie, CNN’s first CNN+ hire," they wrote.

When was Kasie Hunt's last day at NBC?

Her final broadcast on the 5am morning show, Way Too Early, occurred July 15, 2021. She didn't start on CNN+ until after Labor Day (September 7), and now she appears on CNN and its new streaming platform as an anchor and chief national affairs analyst.

Why did Kasie Hunt leave NBC?

Her colleagues were reportedly shocked when they discovered she was leaving the network. Some claimed they didn't find out until the morning she made the official announcement.

Kasie herself hasn't said anything specific as to why she left, but according to reports, CNN poached her from NBC with a high salary offer, which is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million, which NBC allegedly failed to match.