MSNBC Cancels Joy Reid’s Show Amid Major Programming Shakeup

Changes to MSNBC’s Primetime Lineup

According to sources, The ReidOut, which has aired at 7 p.m. ET since 2020, will be replaced by a new program featuring co-hosts from The Weekend—Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. The Weekend, a morning news and talk show that airs on Saturdays and Sundays, has boosted viewership in its time slot by 35%, making it a strong choice for an evening slot.

Joy Reid, a veteran political commentator, has been a key voice on MSNBC for years. Before The ReidOut, she hosted AM Joy from 2016 to 2020, a weekend show that focused on politics, race, and social issues. While MSNBC has not officially commented on her departure, the move signals a new direction for the network.

MSNBC’s Ratings Surge Under Trump’s Return

MSNBC has seen a significant ratings boost since Donald Trump returned to office. Since his inauguration, the network’s primetime viewership has jumped 77%, while total daytime viewership has increased by 34%. This surge suggests that MSNBC’s audience is deeply engaged with coverage of Trump’s policies and political controversies.

Despite shifting its lineup, MSNBC remains committed to its progressive stance. The network has long positioned itself as a counterbalance to conservative media, and these programming changes reflect a strategic effort to retain and grow its audience.

Alex Wagner’s Future at MSNBC

Another major change involves Alex Wagner, who has been hosting Alex Wagner Tonight from Tuesday to Friday at 9 p.m. ET. Wagner originally took over part of The Rachel Maddow Show’s time slot after Maddow reduced her schedule to just one day per week. However, sources say Wagner will step away from primetime but will remain at MSNBC as a correspondent.

Meanwhile, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who launched her MSNBC show in 2023, is expected to take over one of the primetime slots. Inside with Jen Psaki has been the network’s most-watched weekend program, making her a strong contender for a weekday evening show. Reports suggest Psaki might take the 9 p.m. ET slot once Maddow resumes her one-night-a-week schedule.

New Talent and Future Plans

Kutler is also looking to bring fresh faces to MSNBC’s lineup. Sources say she is considering hiring Eugene Daniels, a White House correspondent for Politico, and Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University. These additions could help strengthen MSNBC’s political and legal analysis, especially as the 2024 election cycle continues to unfold.

Who Is Rebecca Kutler?

Rebecca Kutler officially took over as MSNBC’s president on February 12, 2025. She has been with the network since 2022, initially hired by former MSNBC president Rashida Jones. Before joining MSNBC, Kutler spent 20 years at CNN, where she gained extensive experience in political programming and media strategy.

Kutler’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as MSNBC undergoes a corporate transition. The network is now owned by SpinCo, a company that emerged from a recent spinoff from cable giant Comcast. Mark Lazarus, CEO of SpinCo, praised Kutler’s leadership, saying she has the vision and strategic mindset needed to position MSNBC for future growth.

Why Is MSNBC Making These Changes?

The shakeup at MSNBC is driven by several factors, including competition from other news networks and the evolving preferences of viewers. As cable news faces challenges from streaming services and digital platforms, networks like MSNBC must continually adapt to stay relevant.

Kutler has acknowledged the difficulties ahead, telling MSNBC employees in a recent meeting:

“This is going to be a really exciting time but also a challenging time. I think it’s important that we as leaders are honest about that and about the challenges ahead. Our jobs are hard on a normal day, and these are not normal times.”

These programming changes indicate that MSNBC is not only looking to maintain its audience but also to expand its influence in political media. By bringing in new hosts, shifting time slots, and strengthening its primetime lineup, the network aims to stay competitive in an ever-changing media landscape.

Conclusion

MSNBC’s decision to cancel The ReidOut and restructure its primetime lineup is a bold move under new leadership. While Joy Reid’s departure marks the end of an era, the network is betting on new talent and fresh programming to keep viewers engaged. With Trump back in the White House, MSNBC’s ratings are surging, and the network is making strategic decisions to capitalize on the increased interest in political news.

As MSNBC continues to evolve, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these changes pay off. With high-profile anchors like Jen Psaki stepping into primetime and new faces potentially joining the network, MSNBC is positioning itself for the future of political journalism.