Donahue 's show had lower ratings than several shows on other networks , and most reports on its cancellation blamed poor ratings .
It was the highest - rated program on MSNBC 's struggling primetime lineup at the time of its cancellation .
Although Donahue 's show had lower ratings than several shows on other networks , and most reports on its cancellation blamed poor ratings , it was the highest - rated program on MSNBC 's struggling primetime lineup at the time of its cancellation .