Crooked Media has acquired the rights to bring back the beloved ‘FiveThirtyEight Politics’ podcast, reuniting hosts Nate Silver, Clare Malone, and Galen Druke under a new name: ‘Still Counting.’ The relaunch, scheduled for next month, arrives just as the 2026 midterm election cycle heats up, positioning the show as a data-driven counterpoint to partisan commentary.
The original podcast, which ran from 2016 until Disney shuttered FiveThirtyEight in April 2023, built a loyal following for its rigorous polling analysis and election forecasting. Its revival marks a strategic move by Crooked Media to capture an audience hungry for quantitative political coverage, while giving Silver a chance to reclaim his brand after a messy corporate exit.
A Phoenix from the Ashes
The revival of ‘FiveThirtyEight Politics’ as ‘Still Counting’ is a striking turnaround for a show that seemed permanently shelved when Disney/ABC News cut FiveThirtyEight in April 2023, part of broader cost-cutting that included layoffs across the company. Nate Silver, who founded FiveThirtyEight in 2008 and gained fame for correctly predicting 49 of 50 states in the 2008 presidential election, left the organization amid public criticism of its corporate structure.
Now, under Crooked Media’s umbrella, Silver, Malone, and Druke are back together. The new name plays on the election-night phrase ‘still counting votes,’ signaling resilience and persistence. For Silver, the deal represents a vindication: he can now operate with editorial independence, free from the constraints he blamed for stifling his work at Disney.
The Data vs. Punditry Divide
‘Still Counting’ will enter a crowded podcast market, competing with heavyweights like ‘The Daily,’ ‘Pod Save America,’ and ‘The Ezra Klein Show.’ But its niche is distinct: rigorous, quantitative analysis of polls, elections, and political strategy. In an era of widespread polling skepticism and misinformation, the show’s data-centric approach could resonate with listeners seeking grounded, evidence-based reporting.
However, skeptics may question whether Silver’s models have lost credibility after misses in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The show will need to address these critiques head-on, perhaps by evolving its methodology or being more transparent about uncertainty. Whether it meaningfully innovates or recycles old formats remains to be seen.
Crooked Media’s Progressive Alignment
Crooked Media, founded in 2017 by former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor, is known for progressive political commentary. Its acquisition of a ‘neutral’ data brand raises questions about perceived bias. Will ‘Still Counting’ maintain FiveThirtyEight’s nonpartisan reputation, or will it lean left to fit Crooked’s ecosystem?
Silver himself has been critical of both parties and has clashed with progressive activists, making his fit within Crooked Media a point of curiosity. The company’s leadership has emphasized editorial independence, but listeners will watch closely for any signs of political slant.
The Business of Podcast Revivals
The deal reflects a broader trend in podcasting: media companies acquiring proven intellectual property with built-in audiences. As election season approaches, political content becomes increasingly valuable for ad revenue and subscriber growth. Crooked Media’s strategic timing—relaunching ahead of the 2026 midterms—allows the show to capitalize on heightened interest in primaries, polling trends, and House/Senate races.
The competitive landscape is fierce, but ‘Still Counting’ brings a recognizable name and a dedicated fanbase from the original show’s run. If the hosts can recapture their chemistry and deliver the same level of analysis, the show has strong potential to carve out a loyal audience in the crowded political podcast space.
What to Expect Next Month
With the relaunch scheduled for next month, details on the show’s format are still emerging. It will be a weekly podcast, a departure from the more frequent episodes of the original. The hosts are expected to cover the 2026 midterm cycle in depth, leveraging their combined expertise in polling, data analysis, and political strategy.
For fans of the original show, the return of Silver, Malone, and Druke is a nostalgic moment. For Crooked Media, it’s a strategic expansion into the data-driven political niche. For the broader media landscape, it’s a test of whether a revived brand can thrive outside its original corporate home.
The revival of ‘FiveThirtyEight Politics’ as ‘Still Counting’ is a bold move that reunites a beloved team and brings data-driven analysis back to the podcasting forefront. As the 2026 midterms approach, the show’s success will depend on its ability to retain its nonpartisan credibility while adapting to a new home and a changing media environment.
Summary
- Crooked Media has acquired the rights to revive the ‘FiveThirtyEight Politics’ podcast, renaming it ‘Still Counting.’
- The show will relaunch next month, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as a weekly podcast.
- Original hosts Nate Silver, Clare Malone, and Galen Druke will reunite for the project.
- The revival raises questions about data journalism credibility, progressive media bias, and the business of podcast IP.
- The show will compete with major political podcasts while aiming to fill a niche for quantitative analysis.
FAQ
Q: When will the ‘Still Counting’ podcast relaunch?
A: The relaunch is scheduled for next month, though an exact date has not been announced.
Q: Who are the hosts of the revived podcast?
A: Nate Silver, Clare Malone, and Galen Druke will reunite as hosts.
Q: Why was the original ‘FiveThirtyEight Politics’ podcast canceled?
A: Disney/ABC News shut down FiveThirtyEight in April 2023 as part of broader cost-cutting measures and layoffs.
Q: How will ‘Still Counting’ differ from the original show?
A: It will be a weekly podcast, and the new name reflects a focus on resilience and ongoing vote counting. The format will likely maintain the data-driven approach of the original.
Q: Is Crooked Media a progressive outlet, and could that affect the show’s neutrality?
A: Crooked Media is known for progressive commentary, but the company has stated it will respect editorial independence. Whether the show maintains nonpartisan analysis remains to be seen.