the problem is that the shows are being "broadcasted" at a resolution that is too high for your internet connection to download quickly. The playback at your end runs faster than the downloading happens.

The smarter media creators understand this and have multiple versions to allow for multiple bandwidth abilities.

try to use ad-blocker software on your Web Browser and the commercials will be eliminated. It also eliminates the ad videos on YouTube and Vimeo.

I'm on Firefox and the shows run about 40 minutes instead of an hour using ad-blocker software. I also watch soap operas (a habit picked up from my mom) and they run about 37 minutes. There is also an ad-blocker for Google Chrome, but I'm not certain if it eliminates commercials. I don't know if there are equivalent ad-blockers for Internet Explorer, Opera or Safari browsers--that is something you can search on Google.

The shows are usually posted on the MSNBC Website about two hours after they are finished (e.g., in my time zone Rachel Maddow is on from 8-9, but the Webcast is usually available at 11). I don't know the exact time that the Ed show is posted, but since he comes on at 4 here, I expect the Webcast would be available at 7. The other nice thing is the delayed showings allow you to skip segments of the show that are not of interest to you.

If you use the link that onehandle provided you will still have breaks between segments since it is an international Website showing the original live broadcast. It's a nice alternative to not having cable, but you will still see the commercials.

If you really want to dump cable, upgrade your internet service with the money saved.

Or simply start the video, pause it, and let it buffer awhile.