Staff Reports
MSNBC has officially canceled Joy Reid’s primetime show, The ReidOut, marking a significant shift in the network’s programming strategy under its new president, Rebecca Kutler. Reid, known for her outspoken progressive views and sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, will host her final episode this week. Her departure comes amid declining ratings and broader efforts by MSNBC to revamp its lineup in response to shifting viewership trends and political dynamics.
Reid’s exit is not entirely surprising. Once a prominent voice on the network, her show has struggled to maintain its audience, with viewership dropping nearly 60% since Trump’s re-election. Despite MSNBC’s efforts to keep her on board, including reported pay cuts, the ratings slump proved insurmountable. Critics have long pointed to Reid’s polarizing rhetoric and frequent focus on race as reasons for her diminishing appeal. For conservatives, her departure is seen as a long-overdue acknowledgment that divisive narratives are losing traction with American audiences.
Replacing Reid in the 7 p.m. slot will be a panel-style program co-hosted by Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend. The trio previously hosted The Weekend, a morning show that saw moderate success under Kutler’s leadership. While MSNBC hopes this new format will bring fresh energy and balance to its primetime lineup, skeptics question whether the change will be enough to reverse the network’s overall ratings decline. Conservatives have noted the irony of Alicia Menendez’s inclusion, given her familial ties to scandal-plagued Senator Bob Menendez, adding a layer of intrigue to the shake-up.
The cancellation of The ReidOut also signals MSNBC’s attempt to reposition itself in the Trump era. With Rachel Maddow returning to nightly hosting during Trump’s first 100 days and former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki expected to take on a larger role, the network appears to be doubling down on its progressive identity rather than pivoting toward broader appeal. However, this strategy risks alienating moderate viewers who may be seeking less partisan coverage during a politically charged time.
Reid’s departure underscores a broader reckoning within cable news as networks grapple with declining viewership and shifting consumer preferences. While MSNBC remains the second most-watched cable news network behind Fox News, its primetime audience pales in comparison. Conservatives argue that MSNBC’s struggles reflect a growing public fatigue with hyper-partisan narratives that prioritize ideological agendas over substantive reporting.
As MSNBC moves forward with its revamped lineup, it remains to be seen whether these changes will resonate with viewers or further entrench the network in its ideological niche. For now, Joy Reid’s exit marks the end of an era for MSNBC and raises questions about the future direction of progressive media in an increasingly fractured news landscape. Conservatives are likely to view this as a win for accountability in media, while liberals may lament the loss of one of their most vocal advocates on television.
