In a significant programming overhaul at MSNBC, Joy Reid’s primetime news show, The ReidOut, has been officially canceled. The network’s decision comes as part of a broader restructuring aimed at revitalizing its evening lineup and maintaining competitive ratings in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Reid, who has been a prominent voice on the network for years, will step down from her 7 p.m. slot, which is set to be replaced by a new panel-driven program featuring Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.
MSNBC’s Reshuffling and Strategic Overhaul
The cancellation of The ReidOut is one of the first major decisions implemented by Rebecca Kutler, who was recently appointed as MSNBC’s president. According to sources close to the network, Kutler has been actively working on a new programming strategy designed to refresh MSNBC’s approach to news delivery. The goal is to attract a broader audience while maintaining the network’s core viewership base.
“MSNBC’s ratings have been strong, outperforming CNN in several key demographics, but the leadership recognizes the need to evolve,” said a network insider. “The decision to cancel The ReidOut was part of a larger plan to optimize the lineup and introduce new perspectives.”
A New Direction: Panel Discussion Format
The three currently co-host The Weekend, a morning program that airs on MSNBC, and will now transition to the weekday primetime lineup.
Joy Reid’s Impact and Future Prospects
Joy Reid has been a fixture on MSNBC since 2016, first gaining recognition as the host of AM Joy before moving into the primetime 7 p.m. slot in 2020. Over the years, Reid became one of the network’s most influential voices, known for her incisive political analysis and unapologetic progressive stance.
Her tenure at MSNBC has not been without controversy. Reid has faced criticism for past blog posts and comments that resurfaced, sparking debates about her views and media accountability. Despite this, she maintained a strong following and was a key player in shaping political discourse, especially during the Trump administration and the Biden presidency.
While Reid has declined to comment on the cancellation, industry analysts speculate she may explore new opportunities in digital media, podcasting, or even a new role within another major news network.
Changes Across MSNBC’s Lineup
The cancellation of The ReidOut is just one of several shifts happening at MSNBC. The network is also making significant changes to its 9 p.m. slot. Rachel Maddow, MSNBC’s highest-rated anchor, had initially reduced her hosting duties to once a week but recently returned to a five-day schedule for the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second administration. However, it appears that MSNBC is looking for a permanent solution for the time slot.
One leading candidate for the 9 p.m. hour is Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary under President Biden. Psaki currently hosts a Sunday news program and a Monday evening show, but sources indicate that MSNBC is considering her as a permanent fixture in primetime.
Alex Wagner, who had previously taken over Maddow’s four-day-a-week duties, is expected to stay with the network as an on-air correspondent, though she will no longer host the 9 p.m. show.
Corporate Changes and Future of MSNBC
These programming shifts are taking place as MSNBC undergoes a major corporate restructuring. Parent company Comcast is spinning off MSNBC from NBC News Group, placing it under the same umbrella as CNBC and USA Network in a new division led by veteran NBCUniversal executive Mark Lazarus. While Kutler, as MSNBC’s president, is making programming decisions, sources suggest Lazarus has been briefed on the changes but is not directly involved in the restructuring.
Beyond the primetime reshuffling, MSNBC is also eyeing new talent to expand its reach. Reports suggest that Eugene Daniels, co-author of Politico’s Playbook newsletter, and Melissa Murray, a law professor and political analyst, may be given on-air roles in addition to their current commentary positions.
What This Means for MSNBC’s Future
MSNBC’s decision to overhaul its primetime lineup is a strategic move in response to evolving viewer preferences and the increasingly competitive cable news environment. Fox News continues to dominate ratings, and while MSNBC has outperformed CNN in key demographics, maintaining its position requires continual innovation.
The introduction of a panel discussion format at 7 p.m. reflects a broader industry trend toward conversational, debate-driven programming that engages audiences across the political spectrum. With prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican arenas co-hosting the new show, MSNBC is positioning itself to attract a diverse range of viewers while staying true to its progressive leanings.
For Joy Reid, this marks the end of an era at MSNBC but potentially the beginning of new opportunities. Whether she transitions to another media platform, launches an independent project, or takes on a new role in political commentary, her influence on public discourse remains significant.
Conclusion
The cancellation of The ReidOut underscores the dynamic nature of cable news and the constant evolution of network strategies to stay relevant. MSNBC’s latest shake-up represents a push for innovation, balance, and engagement in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. While Joy Reid’s departure from the 7 p.m. slot may disappoint her loyal viewers, the network’s commitment to adapting its programming suggests an ongoing effort to shape the future of political journalism.
