Joy Reid Leaving MSNBC as Part of Major Shakeup \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ MSNBC has canceled “The ReidOut” and confirmed that Joy Reid is leaving the network, marking a significant change in its primetime lineup. The move, announced in a memo from MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, follows a weekend of speculation and backlash from Reid’s supporters. Rotating anchors will fill the 7 p.m. hour before a new ensemble news program launches, featuring Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. The decision is part of broader programming changes, including Jen Psaki moving to 9 p.m., Alex Wagner stepping down from primetime, and MSNBC consolidating operations.
Joy Reid’s MSNBC Exit: Quick Looks
- MSNBC Cancels “The ReidOut” – Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. primetime show ends after nearly four years on air.
- Reid Confirms Departure – The longtime host thanked supporters, saying she felt “anger, disappointment, but also gratitude.”
- New Hosts Announced – Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over the 7 p.m. slot with a new ensemble show.
- Jen Psaki Moves to 9 p.m. – Psaki will replace Alex Wagner, who will stay with MSNBC as a senior political analyst.
- MSNBC Shutting Down Miami Operations – The move impacts shows like “José Díaz-Balart Reports” and “The Katie Phang Show.”
- Corporate Shakeup Underway – MSNBC’s ownership is shifting away from NBC News, marking a major transition in the network’s future.
- Reid’s Next Move Unknown – She hasn’t announced future plans, but speculation suggests she may pursue independent media opportunities.
- What’s Next? – MSNBC continues its network overhaul, with Rachel Maddow returning to Mondays at 9 p.m. following Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Deep Look
MSNBC is undergoing a major programming shakeup, with Joy Reid leaving the network and her primetime show, “The ReidOut,” coming to an end. The announcement, confirmed in a Monday memo from MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, follows days of speculation and online backlash after reports of the show’s cancellation surfaced over the weekend.
The cancellation of “The ReidOut” marks a significant shift in MSNBC’s evening programming, as the show has been a prominent voice for progressive politics, race, and social justice issues since 2020.
Reid’s final show aired Monday night, and while she has not announced her next move, she spoke openly about her disappointment, anger, and ultimate gratitude for the platform she had.
Joy Reid Confirms Exit, Thanks Supporters
Over the weekend, Reid addressed the speculation about her departure in a social media post, writing:
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement.”
She later joined a YouTube livestream with Win With Black Women, where she acknowledged she had “been through every emotion” after learning the news, but ultimately landed on gratitude:
“My show had value. Whether it was the Black Lives Matter issues … talking about Gaza, or standing up for babies being bombed—I am not sorry that I stood up for those things.”
Reid’s departure comes just days after winning two NAACP Image Awards, including one for “The ReidOut” as an outstanding news series and another for her biography on Medgar and Myrlie Evers.
Who Will Replace Joy Reid at 7 p.m.?
MSNBC has announced that a rotating lineup of anchors will temporarily fill Reid’s 7 p.m. slot, with a permanent replacement set to debut in the coming weeks.
The new weekday program will feature Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, all of whom currently co-host “The Weekend” on MSNBC.
Kutler did not specify if the new 7 p.m. show will maintain Reid’s progressive editorial style, but the shift to an ensemble format signals a potential shift in tone.
MSNBC’s Broader Programming Overhaul
Reid’s departure is one of several high-profile changes as MSNBC reshapes its lineup and consolidates operations.
According to Kutler’s memo:
- Jen Psaki will move to the 9 p.m. hour, replacing Alex Wagner Tuesday through Friday.
- Alex Wagner will exit primetime but remain with MSNBC as a senior political analyst.
- Rachel Maddow’s show will return to Mondays at 9 p.m. following the first 100 days of Trump’s second administration.
- MSNBC will shut down its Miami operations, impacting shows like “José Díaz-Balart Reports” and “The Katie Phang Show.”
Díaz-Balart will remain with NBC News, while Phang will transition into a legal correspondent role for the network.
A Network in Transition
The shakeup at MSNBC comes amid a broader corporate restructuring, as the network prepares to separate from NBC News in an upcoming spinoff. The move will change MSNBC’s corporate ownership structure, affecting how it positions itself editorially and financially.
The changes also coincide with another major departure at NBC, as veteran anchor Lester Holt announced he will step down from “Nightly News” later this year to take on an expanded role with “Dateline”.
Reactions to Reid’s Departure
News of Reid’s exit has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
- Progressive viewers have expressed disappointment, highlighting how “The ReidOut” gave historically marginalized voices a national platform.
- Critics have argued that MSNBC’s shift away from Reid signals a move toward a more neutral or less confrontational approach in its primetime programming.
- Kutler acknowledged the frustration among MSNBC staff, admitting in her memo that she had hoped to announce the changes directly before they leaked online.
What’s Next for Joy Reid?
While Reid has not announced future plans, her strong progressive following and national recognition make it likely she will re-emerge in another media role.
Given the rise of independent media platforms, some speculate she could launch her own digital show, podcast, or join another progressive news outlet.
For now, MSNBC moves forward with its revamped lineup, and the 7 p.m. hour—once a home for Reid’s deep dives into politics, race, and culture—enters a new era.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.