MSNBC has canceled The ReidOut, Joy Reid’s primetime news show, as part of a broader programming shakeup under new network president Rebecca Kutler. Reid, known for her sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump, aired her final episode this week.
The decision to drop Reid’s show comes amid declining ratings, particularly following Trump’s re-election. Reports indicate that The ReidOut saw a significant drop in viewership post-election, which contributed to MSNBC’s move to overhaul its primetime lineup.
Trump, who has frequently clashed with Reid, wasted no time celebrating the cancellation. In a statement, he called her a “mentally obnoxious racist” and accused MSNBC of causing significant damage to the country. He further suggested that the network should be held accountable for what he described as its “unpardonable sin” of spreading misinformation.
Despite speculation that Trump’s influence played a role in Reid’s departure, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler reportedly assured staff in a tense meeting that the decision was not politically motivated. She emphasized that the cancellation was part of a larger strategy to refresh the network’s programming lineup as MSNBC transitions into a standalone entity separate from NBC News.
Replacing The ReidOut will be a new panel show featuring The Weekend co-anchors Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. The new program is set to air for two hours on Mondays and one hour from Tuesday through Friday.
Additional programming shifts are also in motion. With Rachel Maddow set to return to a once-a-week schedule in the spring, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki is reportedly being considered to anchor one of MSNBC’s remaining primetime hours. Alex Wagner, who previously filled in for Maddow from Tuesdays through Fridays, will shift to a correspondent role.
The shakeup marks one of MSNBC’s most significant programming overhauls in recent years. While the network aims to maintain a progressive and diverse primetime lineup, Reid’s departure signals a major shift—one that will undoubtedly spark reactions from her loyal audience.