Hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who are married and deeply involved in the show’s day-to-day operations, were excited about the idea, but had questions about what the extension would mean for their staff, according to a source familiar with their thinking.

In addition to producing “Morning Joe” from 6 to 9 a.m. ET, the same team also produces “Way Too Early” at 5 a.m. ET.

An additional hour at 9 a.m. ET would open up an opportunity for “Morning Joe” to address West Coast audiences. But that also meant the show’s team would need to figure out new coverage plans.