MSNBC Undergoes Radical Shakeup: Joy Reid's Show Canceled in Network Revamp
In a dramatic shake-up of its programming slate, MSNBC canceled The ReidOut, the evening show hosted by veteran anchor and outspoken Donald Trump critic Joy Reid. This move, part of deeper shifts under new network president Rebecca Kutler, brings a close to Reid's near-decade-long tenure at MSNBC and is a strategic shift for the network as it looks to stand alone from NBC News136. The shakeup also affects other prominent hosts, such as Alex Wagner and weekend anchors, and boosts Jen Psaki to a nightly primetime slot and Rachel Maddow to a regular schedule. This piece examines the reasons for Reid's resignation, the fresh faces defining MSNBC's future, and the stakes for cable news in a highly polarized political age.
The Rise and Fall of Joy Reid's The ReidOut
A Voice for Progressive Politics
Joy Reid came on board at MSNBC in 2014 as a weekend host, slowly building up to fame through her sharp commentary on race social justice and the Trump presidency. In 2020, she assumed the 7 p.m. ET time slot with The ReidOut, which soon turned into a platform for progressive voices and scathing attacks on Republican policies15. Reid's unabashed tone clicked with MSNBC's progressive audience, especially in Trump's first term, as she analyzed his policies, judicial picks, and messaging. Her program frequently emphasized racism in the systems, LGBTQ rights, and suffrage, presenting her as an antidote to right-wing media.
Decline in Viewership and Scandals
The show, despite being successful in the beginning, hit a tough road after Trump was re-elected in 2024. Nielsen statistics showed that viewership dropped by almost 50% in late 2024 reflecting a general decline in MSNBC's primetime viewership15. Experts blame the decline on "Trump fatigue" among the audience and the network's inability to adjust its anti-Trump message to a post-2024 political environment. Reid's previous controversies also came back to haunt her, such as homophobic blog entries between 2007–2009 where she was against same-sex marriage and spread conspiracy theories15. Even after she apologized in 2017—asserting her blog had been compromised—the controversy remained, making it difficult for her to get along with MSNBC's leadership.
Behind the Decision: Leadership, Ratings, and Corporate Strategy
Rebecca Kutler's Vision for MSNBC
The abandonment of The ReidOut is the first big decision by Rebecca Kutler, who joined MSNBC as its president early in February 2025. Kutler, who used to work at CNN, wants to freshen up the network's programming before its spin-off from NBCUniversal. Under her leadership, MSNBC will become an independent brand in addition to CNBC, USA Network and Golf Channel necessitating a separate identity from NBC News36. Kutler's approach is focused on ensemble programs and bipartisan panels which is reflected in the replacement of Reid's single-hosted show with a three-host setup: Symone Sanders-Townsend (Biden-era strategist), Michael Steele (former RNC chairman), and Alicia Menendez (political commentator).
Financial and Structural Pressures
MSNBC's corporate reorganization was a significant factor in Reid's departure. As Comcast is about to spin off its cable networks, austerity measures have accelerated. Reid, who took home $3 million a year, cut her pay in late 2024 to keep her position15. Nevertheless, with ad revenues falling and streaming services assuming ascendancy, Kutler insisted on formats seen as more economical and ratings-friendly. The network is also investing in a new Washington bureau and expanding its newsgathering operations, diverting resources away from opinion-driven shows.
MSNBC’s New Lineup: Key Changes and Emerging Faces
Jen Psaki’s Ascension to Primetime
Former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki will anchor the 9 p.m. ET slot from Tuesday to Friday, replacing Alex Wagner. Psaki, who joined MSNBC in 2022, has been praised for her measured delivery and insider perspective. Her promotion is a testament to the network's gamble on centrist voices that can bridge MSNBC's liberal base with moderate viewers46. Wagner on the other hand moves to a senior political analyst position closing out her historic stint as the first Asian American woman to host a cable news primetime show.
Rachel Maddow's Limited Return
Rachel Maddow, MSNBC's top-paid host, will resume five nights a week on a temporary basis through the first 100 days of Trump's second term. The strategy is to take advantage of her devoted audience during a politically sensitive time, then scale back to her one-per-week Monday show46. Maddow's periodic appearances reflect MSNBC's strategy of using big-name talent for high-profile events while saving money during slower news cycles.
Weekend Programming Overhaul
Kutler's cuts include weekends, where Jonathan Capehart and Ayman Mohyeldin lose their programs. Capehart will host a new morning version of The Weekend, while Mohyeldin hosts evenings6. Legal commentator Katie Phang's Saturday show is axed, although she is retained by MSNBC, and José Díaz-Balart's daytime program ends as the network streams its daytime programming around Ana Cabrera, Chris Jansing, and Katy Tur.
Reactions and Implications: Backlash and Future Challenges
Mixed Responses to Reid’s Departure
Reid’s firing has sparked polarized reactions. Conservatives celebrated the move, with right-wing pundits calling The ReidOut “divisive” and “ratings poison”14. Progressives, however, lamented the loss of one of cable news’ few Black female primetime hosts. Reid addressed her exit emotionally during a Win With Black Women podcast appearance, stating, “I’ve felt anger, guilt, and ultimately gratitude for the platform I’ve had”.
The Dangers of MSNBC's Centrist Pivot
Kutler's plan to expand MSNBC's reach has dangers. While panel programs with Republicans such as Steele might draw moderates, they might repel loyal viewers who appreciated Reid's unapologetic progressivism. The network's decision to distance itself from NBC News—a hub of breaking news and resources—also questions its competitiveness with CNN and Fox News.
Conclusion: Cable News at a Crossroads
MSNBC's shakeup mirrors deeper challenges to cable news to change in the face of flagging viewership political burnout and corporate belt-tightening. Joy Reid's ouster stands as a sign of the battle between ideological faith and commercial profitability while the ascent of Jen Psaki showcases the appeal of insider knowledge within an increasingly divided media environment. As MSNBC reinvents itself in Rebecca Kutler's image, success will ride on how it can strike a balance between journalistic integrity, audience trust, and the pressure of an increasingly dynamic industry. In the meantime, the network gambles that ensemble programs and cross-partisan discussion—not single commentators—will characterize its destiny.
