The Abrams Report was an American hour-long weekday news and legal commentary program on MSNBC. It premiered in December 2001, following Dan Abrams’ move from NBC News to MSNBC. It ran for nearly five years, establishing Abrams as one of cable news’ most recognizable legal voices.
The show focused on the intersection of news and the law, zeroing in on the high-profile criminal trials and court cases. It also covered legally charged stories dominating the headlines. Abrams approached each hour with the mindset of a legal analyst rather than a traditional anchor. This included breaking down complex courtroom developments, debating legal matters with expert guests, and offering sharp, direct analysis.
The Abrams Report covered several stories, including major trials and legal controversies that captivated the public throughout the early 2000s. Some of the notable stories included Michael Jackson’s molestation trial (2005), Scott Peterson’s murder trial (2004), Saddam Hussein’s trial (2005), Tyco executives’ trial (2004), and Charles Graner’s/Abu Ghraib trial (2005).
The program ended in the summer of 2006, when Abrams was appointed General Manager of MSNBC. In his on-air farewell, Abrams told viewers the show would soon be replaced. Guest hosts Susan Filan and Lisa Daniels anchored the program in the weeks following his departure, with the final episode airing on July 7, 2006. Three days later, Tucker Carlson’s show Tucker took over the time slot.
