Chris Matthews, longtime columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and host of the MSNBC cable service's popular political-commentary series Hardball, added to his workload with a weekly, syndicated news-analysis program. Produced by NBC News and distributed by NBC Enterprises, The Chris Matthews Show took on the challenge of talking exclusively "with people who are in the top of the news." Thanks to Matthews' connections and clout, the series was never lacking in celebrity gabbers. Debuting the week of September 21, 2002, The Chris Matthews Show entered syndication with an 83 percent market clearance, including 45 of the top 50 TV markets. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
