MSNBC has announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s primetime show, The ReidOut, as part of a broader effort to revamp its programming. The decision comes amid shifting audience preferences and efforts by the network’s leadership to refresh its lineup.
Why Was ‘The ReidOut’ Canceled?
According to sources, the cancellation is part of new MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler’s strategy to boost viewership and restructure the network’s primetime schedule. Reports suggest MSNBC has been struggling with declining ratings and is looking to introduce new formats that appeal to a broader audience.
Joy Reid has been a strong political voice on MSNBC since 2011, known for her sharp critiques of Republican politics, particularly of former President Donald Trump. Her show, The ReidOut, launched in 2020 at 7 p.m. ET, making her the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show.
Despite her impact, viewership for her show has reportedly declined, leading MSNBC to reconsider its lineup. Analysts suggest that shifting news consumption habits, the rise of alternative media, and competition from other cable news networks played a role in the decision.
Who Will Replace Joy Reid?
MSNBC is replacing The ReidOut with a new panel discussion-style show featuring multiple hosts, including:
- Alicia Menendez – MSNBC anchor and political commentator
- Michael Steele – Former Republican National Committee Chairman
- Symone Sanders-Townsend – Former senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris
The new show aims to provide diverse political discussions with multiple viewpoints, a format that MSNBC hopes will attract a wider audience and increase engagement.
Other Changes at MSNBC
Joy Reid’s exit is not the only major shift happening at MSNBC. Other programming changes include:
- Alex Wagner’s 9 p.m. slot is being removed – MSNBC is making Rachel Maddow a full-time anchor again in an effort to boost viewership.
- MSNBC is exploring new content strategies to attract more viewers, including a mix of live political analysis, panel discussions, and investigative journalism.
These changes signal a larger shift in MSNBC’s programming strategy, aimed at reshaping the network’s identity and reclaiming its position as a leading cable news network.
Joy Reid’s Career and Impact
Joy Reid has been an influential figure in political media for over a decade. Before hosting The ReidOut, she gained recognition for her work as a host of AM Joy, a popular weekend show on MSNBC.
Her career has not been without controversy. In 2018, she faced backlash over old blog posts containing homophobic remarks, for which she later apologized. Despite this, she remained a respected voice on issues of race, social justice, and U.S. politics.
While her MSNBC show is coming to an end, Joy Reid’s future in political media remains uncertain. She has not yet announced her next steps, but given her influence, she is expected to continue working in journalism, commentary, or even explore independent media platforms.