Quick Answer
Crossword Clue: “The Rachel Maddow Show” channel, after a 2025 rebranding
Answer: MSNOW
Answer Length: 5 letters
Clue Number and Direction: 1-Across
The New York Times Mini Crossword clue “The Rachel Maddow Show channel, after a 2025 rebranding” is answered with “MSNOW”, a 5-letter entry for 1-Across in the February 4, 2026 puzzle.
Why “MSNOW” Is the Right Answer
- The clue references the cable news network that rebranded from MSNBC to MS NOW in late 2025, which is the home channel of “The Rachel Maddow Show.”
- Written as a single, grid-friendly word, MSNOW matches the 5-letter requirement for 1-Across in the February 4, 2026 NYT Mini.
- The clue’s wording “after a 2025 rebranding” directly points to the formal name change from MSNBC to MS NOW, so the post-rebrand channel name is exactly what the puzzle wants.
- In the grid, you’ll see it as MSNOW, with no space, following standard crossword practice of dropping spaces and punctuation.
What “MSNOW” Means
- MS NOW is the rebranded name of the liberal-leaning cable news and commentary network formerly known as MSNBC.
- The name has been described as a backronym for “My Source [for] News, Opinion, [and the] World,” emphasizing its role as a 24/7 news and analysis channel.
- “The Rachel Maddow Show” continues to air on this channel after the rebrand, which is why the crossword clue ties Maddow’s show directly to MSNOW.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see wording like “after a rebranding,” “new name for,” or “since 20XX,” think of renamed companies, channels, or sports teams as likely answers.
- Media and tech clues often compress names into one grid entry (e.g., MSNOW, HBOMAX, PARAMOUNT+ minus the symbol), so expect dropped spaces and punctuation.
Crossings help you lock it in: for “MSNOW,” the initial M from 1-Across and the pattern M-S-N-O-W from the Down answers make alternative guesses unlikely once a couple of downs are filled.
Complete February 4, 2026 NYT Mini Answers
Here are the key answers from the February 4, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across clues and answers
| Position | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Across | “The Rachel Maddow Show” channel, after a 2025 rebranding | MSNOW |
| 6-Across | Childhood | YOUTH |
| 7-Across | Greek letter after zeta and eta | THETA |
| 8-Across | What helicopter parents do | HOVER |
| 9-Across | Sound at the dog park | ARF |
Down clues and answers
| Position | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Down | "Cats always land on their feet," e.g. | MYTH |
| 2-Down | Neighborhood in both London and Manhattan | SOHO |
| 3-Down | ___ York, Spanish name for New York | NUEVA |
| 4-Down | Furry mammal that eats crustaceans | OTTER |
| 5-Down | Docking area | WHARF |
