MSNBC has announced the cancellation of “The ReidOut” as part of a major revamp under new leadership, marking a notable change in the network's programming strategy amid collapsing ratings following the 2024 presidential election.
Fox News reported that in a significant shakeup, MSNBC will replace Joy Reid's show with a new program featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.
This development comes amid broader changes across the network's weekday, weekend, and primetime slots planned by the new president, Rebecca Kutler.
Rebecca Kutler, at the helm of MSNBC, is steering the network through a period of transition. Under her direction, MSNBC aims to introduce a fresh lineup of programming and talent. “The ReidOut” will air its final episode this week, paving the way for new formats and faces to grace the screen.
The upcoming show that is set to replace “The ReidOut” will notably feature Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.
It marks a strategic effort by MSNBC to diversify its offering and engage different audience segments. The network has also expressed plans to bolster their Washington bureau, as well as expand their presence both domestically and internationally.
Meanwhile, Alicia Menendez is breaking new ground as the first Latina woman to anchor a primetime cable news program on MSNBC. This move aligns with the network's aspirations to broaden its representation and bring diverse perspectives to its viewership.
Kutler’s strategy also focuses on tweaking existing popular shows. “Inside with Jen Psaki,” which debuted in 2023 and rapidly became a favorite with viewers, is slated for increased airtime. The show, known for its insightful discussion and analysis, will now occupy a more significant portion of the schedule.
Joy Reid has been a prominent figure on MSNBC, known for her sharp commentary and willingness to tackle contentious issues. However, the show witnessed a 28% decline in viewership over the past year, dropping from 1.3 million in February 2024 to 973,000 in February 2025.
Reid’s candid political discourse often drew significant attention, but she faced backlash for previous controversial comments.
In 2018, Reid was involved in a scandal over homophobic comments discovered on her old blog. She initially blamed the incident on hacking, which added to the controversy surrounding her media persona.
The decision to cancel Reid's show is part of a larger calculus by MSNBC to recalibrate its programming priorities. The network is also responding to broader industry trends and audience preferences, striving to maintain its competitive edge.
Rebecca Kutler’s leadership not only involves refreshing on-screen content but also reinforcing backstage dynamics. A significant emphasis is being placed on filling key leadership roles, including the head of talent and head of newsgathering.
MSNBC’s parent company, Comcast, is also reportedly considering spinning off several NBCUniversal cable networks, including MSNBC. Such a move could have far-reaching implications for the scale and scope of content production and distribution.
The transformation of MSNBC’s programming lineup coincides with larger corporate strategies aimed at modernizing and positioning the network for future success. This dynamic approach underscores a commitment to innovation and adaptability in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
As MSNBC navigates its programming transition, it is considering bringing new voices to the forefront. Eugene Daniels and Melissa Murray are among the talents being evaluated for potential roles. Expanding the network's roster of experts and commentators is part of the plan to offer richer content.
