MSNBC announced a major programming shift Monday as network president Rebecca Kutler confirmed the cancellation of Joy Reid’s nightly news show ‘The ReidOut’ effective immediately. The abrupt change ends Reid’s 4-year tenure anchoring the 7 p.m. ET timeslot that became a progressive voice in cable news.
‘Joy Reid is leaving the network and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years,’ Kutler wrote in an internal memo obtained by reporters. The statement highlighted Reid’s 2025 NAACP Image Award while sidestepping reasons for the sudden exit.
‘So very proud of The ReidOut team, who are truly family,’ Reid posted on Instagram ahead of her final broadcast.
MSNBC’s restructuring plan includes:
- Rotating guest hosts filling the 7 p.m. slot temporarily
- The Weekend trio Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez moving to weekdays
- A new ensemble program replacing The ReidOut by September
Industry analysts speculate the move reflects MSNBC’s push for collaborative formats over solo-anchor shows. Since its 2020 launch, The ReidOut drew both praise for amplifying marginalized voices and criticism for its progressive editorial stance. Recent Nielsen data showed viewership dipped 12% year-over-year amid cable news’ broader ratings decline.
Reid’s departure marks MSNBC’s second major lineup change this year following Rachel Maddow’s reduced schedule. The network faces increased pressure from streaming competitors while balancing its identity as ‘the place for politics.’
