Joy Reid is leaving MSNBC, the network’s new president announced in a memo to staff on Monday, marking the end of the political analyst and anchor’s prime time news show.
Reid's namesake show, “The ReidOut,” has been a fixture of MSNBC's evening programming since 2020. The hour-long newscast, held at 7 p.m. E.T., Reid conducts extensive interviews with politicians and other newsmakers.
“Joy Reid is leaving the network and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years," MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler wrote. "Her work has been recognized with several esteemed honors, including most recently, the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series."
News reports about MSNBC cancelling “The ReidOut” emerged online over the weekend, causing outrage from supporters of the show, who pointed to its impact on elevting historically marginalized voices. Kutler added, rotating anchors will host Reid's time slot. Current hosts of MSNBC's “The Weekend” — Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez — will now move to weekdays at 7 p.m. to host this new ensemble news program.
Prior to Kutler's memo, Reid took to social media to express gratitude for the support received from viewers and peers. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets,” she posted on BlueSky and Instagram during the late hours before her final episode. "So very proud of The ReidOut team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends. See you tomorrow night at 7, one more time.”
On the night of her farewell show, Reid engaged with guests like Rachel Maddow and Nicolle Wallace to discuss “how to resist a crisis of democracy,” reflecting on her experience as host during significant political events.
“I have been through every emotion since learning the news—including anger and disappointment, but where I've landed is gratitude,” Reid shared during the call streamed on YouTube with Win With Black Women. “My show had value,” she emphasized, highlighting her program's range of subjects from the Black Lives Matter movement to the humanitarian crises worldwide.
Reid's influence over the years has earned her numerous accolades. Most recently, she won two NAACP Image Awards over the weekend—one for “The ReidOut” and another for her book “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America.”
MSNBC’s lineup changes are part of Kutler's mission since taking charge earlier this month, aimed at creating fresh programming options. The memo confirmed Reid and fellow host Alex Wagner would no longer lead their respective time slots, with Wagner’s evening position to be filled by Jen Psaki on weekdays at 9 p.m.
Kutler's staff memo reinforced her commitment to innovate news programming: "We must continue to show up for our audiences during these turbulent times, all the same, ensuring we adapt and remain relevant."
Long-time viewers of MSNBC have noted the emotional resonance of Reid’s departure, which symbolizes the network's broader challenges in meeting viewership demands. Following the significant ratings decline seen recently—44% drop from the November elections to February—the changes come as part of necessary adjustments within the company.
Despite Reid's exit, she expressed pride for her work at MSNBC, particularly at “The ReidOut.” Her departure, leaving behind questions of her potential next steps, bears substantial impact on MSNBC's strategy as it navigates through corporate alterations, including its upcoming financial spinoff from NBC.
Moving forward, the network aims to strengthen its audience engagement, especially as it braces for inevitable changes. With the addition of new program hosts and modifications to programming strategies set for late April, Reid's exit exemplifies both the end of one chapter at MSNBC and the beginning of another for the network.
The overall shakeup not only sees familiar faces shifting time slots but also hints at potential future endeavors for Reid, who maintains immense public support and respect among her audience.
Will you miss getting your dose of Joy from MSNBC? Viewers are invited to reflect on her contributions, and the public responses continue to flow as networks adapt to keep their programming fresh and relevant.
Hello Joy Reid — your voice has made waves, and it remains to be seen just where the tides will take you next.