Staff Reports
MSNBC has officially canceled Joy Reid’s primetime show, The ReidOut, marking the end of her five-year run as a prominent voice on the network. The decision comes as part of a sweeping overhaul under MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, aimed at revamping the network’s programming and addressing declining viewership. Reid’s departure has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with liberals lamenting the loss of representation and conservatives celebrating the end of what they see as a divisive and hyper-partisan platform.
Since its debut in 2020, The ReidOut has been a hallmark of progressive commentary, often tackling issues related to race, inequality, and democracy. However, the show’s ratings have steadily declined, with February 2025 viewership averaging 973,000—a 28% drop from the previous year. Critics argue that Reid’s fiery rhetoric, including frequent comparisons of Republicans to Nazis and Taliban-like figures, alienated moderate viewers and contributed to the program’s waning appeal. For conservatives, her departure is seen as a long-overdue correction in a media landscape increasingly dominated by left-leaning narratives.
In her farewell remarks, Reid expressed gratitude for her time at MSNBC, highlighting the platform she had to discuss critical issues and amplify marginalized voices. She acknowledged the emotional toll of the cancellation but emphasized her pride in the work her team accomplished. While her supporters praised her for breaking barriers as the first Black woman to host a primetime cable news show on MSNBC, detractors pointed to controversies surrounding past inflammatory comments and alleged hypocrisy in her critiques of political opponents.
The cancellation is part of broader changes at MSNBC under Kutler’s leadership. Reid’s 7 p.m. slot will be replaced by a new panel show featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele—an ensemble cast designed to bring a more collaborative approach to primetime programming. The network also plans to expand Jen Psaki’s role and retool weekend programming to attract a wider audience. These moves reflect MSNBC’s attempt to compete more effectively with rivals like Fox News while distancing itself from polarizing figures.
For conservatives, Reid’s exit is emblematic of shifting tides in cable news. Her critics argue that her brand of journalism prioritized ideological activism over factual reporting, contributing to greater division in political discourse. The shakeup at MSNBC may signal an opportunity for networks to move away from extreme partisanship and embrace more balanced coverage. Whether this marks a genuine pivot or merely a strategic reshuffle remains to be seen, but for many on the right, Reid’s departure is viewed as a step toward restoring accountability in media.
