In a twist that has left the media world reeling, whispers of Megyn Kelly plotting a sensational return to MSNBC have set tongues wagging, and the biggest shock of all? Rachel Maddow, the liberal lioness of cable news, isn’t slamming the door shut on her former colleague’s comeback! Despite their fiery history and long-simmering tensions, Maddow’s unexpected openness has ignited a firestorm of speculation: was the long-standing rumor that she orchestrated Kelly’s 2019 ousting from the network a myth all along? Grab your popcorn, because this drama is juicier than a prime-time soap opera!

A Rivalry Rooted in Controversy

Megyn Kelly and Rachel Maddow are no strangers to the spotlight, but their paths have rarely crossed without sparks flying. Kelly, the former Fox News darling turned NBC flameout, left MSNBC’s sister network NBC in 2019 after a string of controversies, most notably her infamous defense of blackface on Megyn Kelly Today. The backlash was swift, and her show was axed faster than you can say “ratings drop.” For years, rumors swirled that Maddow, MSNBC’s golden child and host of The Rachel Maddow Show, had a hand in pushing Kelly out, leveraging her clout as the network’s top-rated star. Insiders whispered that Maddow, with her progressive ideals and razor-sharp intellect, saw Kelly’s conservative leanings and controversial remarks as a liability to MSNBC’s brand.

But now, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Kelly has dropped cryptic hints about a potential return to MSNBC, and Maddow’s response—or lack thereof—has left jaws on the floor. Sources close to the network claim Kelly, now a podcast powerhouse with The Megyn Kelly Show, has been in secret talks with MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, about a possible comeback. “Megyn’s been itching to get back on TV,” a source spilled. “She sees MSNBC’s recent shake-up as her golden ticket to reclaim her spot in the cable news game.”

MSNBC’s Shake-Up: A Door Opens for Kelly?

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. MSNBC is in the midst of a seismic overhaul, with the network parting ways with several high-profile hosts, including Joy Reid and Alex Wagner, in early 2025. Maddow herself publicly called the cancellation of Reid’s The ReidOut “indefensible,” sparking a feud with Kelly, who took to X to gleefully taunt Reid’s exit. “Who’s crying now, Joy?” Kelly posted, prompting a blistering response from former CNN host Don Lemon, who told Kelly to “go f— yourself” on his YouTube show. The public spat only fueled speculation that Kelly’s bad blood with MSNBC’s progressive stars, especially Maddow, would make a return impossible.

Yet, in a stunning turn, Maddow has refused to outright dismiss the idea of Kelly’s comeback. During a recent episode of The Rachel Maddow Show, when asked about the rumors, Maddow sidestepped with a cryptic, “The network’s decisions are above my pay grade, but I trust they’ll do what’s best for our viewers.” Her measured tone shocked fans who expected her to throw shade at Kelly, given their stark ideological differences and Kelly’s history of clashing with MSNBC’s liberal ethos. “Rachel’s not stupid,” an insider dished. “She knows Megyn could bring eyeballs to the network, even if it ruffles feathers.”

Was Maddow Behind Kelly’s Exit?

The rumor that Maddow played a role in Kelly’s 2019 departure has been a persistent thorn in the side of their relationship. When Kelly’s Megyn Kelly Today was canceled after her blackface comments, many pointed fingers at Maddow, believing her influence as MSNBC’s top dog gave her the power to sway NBCUniversal’s decisions. “People thought Rachel pulled strings to get Megyn out,” a former NBC producer revealed. “She was the network’s untouchable star, and Megyn’s controversies were a bad look for the brand Rachel helped build.”

But Maddow’s recent restraint has cast doubt on this narrative. “If Rachel really had it out for Megyn, she’d be slamming the door on her return,” a media analyst noted. “Her silence suggests either she’s playing a long game or the rumors about her role in Megyn’s firing were overblown.” Some speculate Maddow’s lack of opposition is strategic, as she’s currently navigating her own challenges at MSNBC, including a temporary return to a five-night-a-week schedule to cover the early days of the Trump administration before reverting to her Monday-only slot. “Rachel’s focused on her own legacy,” the analyst added. “She might not care enough to fight Megyn’s return.”

Kelly’s Redemption Arc?

For Kelly, a return to MSNBC would be a chance to rewrite her narrative. After her NBC exit, she reinvented herself as a fiercely independent voice, building a loyal following through her podcast and SiriusXM show. But the allure of cable news remains strong. “Megyn thrives on the big stage,” a close friend confided. “She sees MSNBC as a chance to prove she’s more than her past mistakes and to stick it to her critics.” Kelly’s potential role is unclear—some speculate she could anchor a new prime-time show, while others suggest a contributor role to test the waters.

Her return would undoubtedly shake up MSNBC’s liberal-leaning audience, many of whom still bristle at her past comments. “Megyn Kelly on MSNBC? That’s like inviting a fox into the henhouse,” one viewer tweeted. Yet, with the network’s ratings struggling post-election and facing a spin-off from Comcast into a new entity dubbed “SpinCo,” executives may see Kelly’s polarizing presence as a way to boost viewership. “She’s a lightning rod, but lightning rods get attention,” a network source admitted.

The Maddow-Kelly Dynamic: Frenemies or Just Business?

The dynamic between Maddow and Kelly is the stuff of tabloid dreams. Maddow, with her cerebral, progressive commentary, and Kelly, with her sharp-tongued, conservative-leaning edge, represent opposite ends of the political spectrum. Their only notable public clash came in February 2025, when Kelly blasted Maddow for criticizing MSNBC’s leadership over Reid’s firing, calling her “sanctimonious” and accusing her of “rubbing her bosses’ faces in s–t.” Maddow, true to form, didn’t take the bait, focusing instead on her show’s coverage of the Trump administration.

Insiders say the two women have never been close, but there’s no evidence of a deep personal vendetta. “It’s more professional rivalry than personal hatred,” a former colleague shared. “Rachel’s secure in her lane, and Megyn’s always been about chasing the spotlight. They don’t need to like each other to coexist.” Maddow’s refusal to oppose Kelly’s potential return could be a sign of pragmatism—or a calculated move to avoid being seen as the villain in this saga.

What’s Next for MSNBC’s Power Players?

As MSNBC navigates its post-Comcast future, the stakes are high. Maddow remains the network’s biggest draw, with her show pulling in 2.5 million viewers on Mondays despite a broader ratings slump. Kelly, meanwhile, could be the wild card MSNBC needs to shake things up—or a gamble that backfires spectacularly. “If Megyn returns, it’s either a brilliant move or a total disaster,” a media commentator predicted. “There’s no middle ground.”

Fans and critics alike are glued to this unfolding drama, with social media buzzing with theories. Did Maddow really have a hand in Kelly’s 2019 exit, or was it all corporate politics? Is her current stance a sign of maturity or a strategic retreat? And can Kelly, with her controversial past, win over MSNBC’s audience? One thing’s for sure: this story is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be must-see TV.