Tom Hanks jokes about MS NOW ratings during live interview

Actor Tom Hanks delivered a lighthearted jab at the cable network MS NOW during a live interview on Thursday, June 18, at the opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The exchange with correspondent Jacob Soboroff quickly went viral for its spontaneous humor.

As Soboroff approached for an interview, Hanks immediately set a playful tone. "What can I do for the 800 people watching MS NOW?" Hanks asked with a grin. When Soboroff noted they were live, Hanks added, "Alright, add a zero if you need to." Soboroff handled the quip smoothly, replying, "I would say millions now that you're on our air." The two shared a laugh before briefly discussing the new presidential center, with Soboroff later thanking Hanks for "adding the zero to our ratings today."

The moment was broadcast live and later featured on the network's studio program, where anchor Katy Tur reacted with good humor. She smiled and noted Hanks had been supportive of the press in the past, referencing his 2017 donation of a coffee machine to White House reporters. The network itself declined to issue a formal comment on the exchange.

Hanks's teasing numbers were below the network's actual viewership....