Staff Reports
Joy Reid, the outspoken host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut, has officially parted ways with the network as part of a sweeping programming overhaul led by new president Rebecca Kutler. Reid’s departure marks the end of her five-year tenure in the 7 p.m. primetime slot, a position she held since 2020. While MSNBC expressed gratitude for Reid’s contributions, her exit has sparked intense debate about the network’s direction, its handling of progressive voices, and its struggle to maintain relevance in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
Reid’s show was known for its fiery commentary, sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump, and unapologetic focus on social justice issues. However, her tenure was not without controversy. From resurfaced blog posts containing homophobic remarks to divisive takes on inflation and Republican policies, Reid often found herself at the center of public scrutiny. Despite receiving accolades such as the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series in 2025, her ratings struggled in recent years, with viewership reportedly dropping by nearly half following Trump’s re-election. Critics argue that these factors contributed to MSNBC’s decision to cancel her show.
The shake-up comes as MSNBC faces declining ratings and seeks to revamp its programming under Kutler’s leadership. Reid’s timeslot will be filled by a new panel show featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez—an apparent attempt to diversify perspectives while appealing to a broader audience. Meanwhile, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will expand her role at the network, taking over the coveted 9 p.m. slot previously held by Alex Wagner. These changes signal a strategic pivot aimed at reinvigorating MSNBC’s primetime lineup amid stiff competition from rival networks.
Reid’s departure has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters view her as a trailblazer who amplified marginalized voices and championed progressive causes. Her critics, however, argue that her polarizing rhetoric alienated viewers and undermined the network’s credibility. Even within MSNBC, opinions are divided; Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the decision to let Reid go, calling it a “significant error.” Meanwhile, conservatives have celebrated her exit as overdue accountability for what they see as divisive and biased reporting.
The broader implications of Reid’s firing extend beyond individual personalities. It underscores the challenges facing legacy media outlets as they navigate ideological divides and shifting viewer preferences. For conservatives, Reid’s departure represents an opportunity for networks like MSNBC to recalibrate their approach and prioritize balanced reporting over partisan commentary. Whether this shake-up will succeed in restoring trust and boosting ratings remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Joy Reid’s polarizing presence will leave a lasting mark on both MSNBC and the broader media landscape.
