Chris Matthews to Remain at MSNBC Through 2016

Chris Matthews isn't leaving MSNBC anytime soon.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matthews, 67, has signed a new long-term deal to remain with the network through the next presidential election. Under his the new contract, the long-time news commentator will officially retire from his Syndicated Sunday show THE Chris Matthews SHOW this summer. The final episode is set to air on July 21.

"For more than a decade, [Nancy Nathan, Executive Producer of THE Chris Matthews SHOW] and her team have allowed me to offer great Sunday morning television," Matthews said in a statement. "I have been proud of every program and the chance to interview some of the best journalists in this country, and, yes, to have them "tell me something I don't know."

In addition, Phil Griffin, MSNBC president, said, "He's as identified with this network as anyone...He's our lead-off hitter. There's nobody smarter about politics than Chris. He has what I think is so important to succeed in this business, particularly in cable. He lives, breathes, and relishes everything about politics. His enthusiasm and his passion and how he gets angry over it is all what makes him so good."

Matthews' HARDBALL, an MSNBC staple, airs Monday-Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

For the original announcement, head on over to The Hollywood Reporter.