Staff Reports
Joy Reid’s departure from MSNBC and the cancellation of her show, The ReidOut, mark the end of a controversial chapter in the network’s primetime lineup. After five years on air, Reid’s show was axed as part of a broader shake-up led by MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, who is seeking to revamp the network’s programming amid declining ratings and shifting viewer preferences. While Reid’s supporters have rallied around her, conservatives see her exit as a long-overdue acknowledgment of her divisive rhetoric and waning influence.
Reid’s tenure at MSNBC was defined by her outspoken progressive commentary, often targeting conservatives, former President Donald Trump, and cultural issues. However, her polarizing style frequently drew criticism, even from within her ideological camp. From resurfaced homophobic blog posts to inflammatory remarks about conservatives and Elon Musk, Reid’s controversies overshadowed much of her work. Her ratings reflected this decline in public trust—viewership plummeted by nearly half following Trump’s re-election in 2024. Despite these struggles, Reid remained unapologetic, framing her show as a platform for resistance against what she labeled as rising “fascism.”
The announcement of Reid’s cancellation has sparked mixed reactions. Progressive activists and organizations like Win With Black Women have criticized MSNBC for sidelining one of the few Black women in primetime cable news. They argue that Reid’s voice was critical in amplifying issues affecting marginalized communities. On the other hand, conservatives have celebrated the move as a rejection of what they see as divisive identity politics and partisan fearmongering. Former President Trump wasted no time mocking Reid’s departure on Truth Social, calling her “one of the least talented people in television.”
MSNBC’s decision to replace The ReidOut with a panel-style program featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez reflects the network’s attempt to diversify its offerings while addressing its ratings slump. However, critics question whether this new format will succeed in recapturing lost viewers or simply dilute the network’s primetime appeal further. The shake-up also includes changes to other time slots, signaling a broader strategic pivot under Kutler’s leadership.
Reid’s final broadcast was an emotional farewell filled with gratitude for her audience and defiance toward her critics. She urged viewers to continue “resisting” and standing up for progressive causes while reflecting on the challenges of hosting a show during politically turbulent times. While her departure signals the end of an era at MSNBC, it also raises questions about the future of progressive media in an increasingly polarized landscape.
Ultimately, Joy Reid’s exit highlights a broader reckoning within cable news as networks grapple with declining viewership and changing audience expectations. For conservatives, it serves as a reminder that divisive rhetoric often collapses under its weight when subjected to public scrutiny. For progressives, it underscores the challenges of maintaining representation in an industry driven by ratings and profitability. As MSNBC moves forward with its programming overhaul, only time will tell whether these changes will reinvigorate its brand or deepen its struggles in an increasingly competitive media environment.
