Insiders Say The Rachel Maddow Show May End Next Spring 

The weeknight edition of The Rachel Maddow Show is coming to an end next year, according to CNN Business.

Multiple sources told CNN Business's Brian Stelter that MSNBC is in for a challenge to find a replacement for Maddow's highly rated show, which fills the channels's 9 p.m. Eastern slot.

In addition, sources said that Brian Williams may also be leaving, opening up the 11 p.m. hour. Williams wants out of the late-night hour, and his contract is up in six months.

Both Chris Hayes and Lawrence O'Donnell have signed multiyear contracts, so their times at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. are secure for now.

Earlier this month, The Daily Beast reported that Maddow may walk away from MSNBC to pursue other projects. However, she signed a new deal allowing her to develop projects across MSNBC's parent company, NBCUniversal.

"She's our Oprah," an MSNBC employee told CNN Business. Her show has even doubled the ratings on MSNBC's other programming on occasion.

While some sources told the outlet Maddow's transition hasn't been worked out, others said the show would end next spring.

Maddow will then start hosting specials for MSNBC -- possibly in a weekly program or throughout the year.

Those at MSNBC said they aren't surprised by Maddow's move from the weeknight format. Her colleagues said she has other interests she wants to pursue.

There's also now talk of who would be best to succeed Maddow. But there's a variety of directions MSNBC's leadership could go.

Whatever the course, as one source told CNN Business, "MSNBC will look very different by spring."