MSNBC Cancels Joy Reid’s Show

THE NEWS

MSNBC announced on February 23, 2025, that it is canceling Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. weeknight show, The ReidOut, as part of a major programming shake-up.

The decision comes amid declining post-election ratings and a leadership change at the network, with new MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler overhauling the lineup​.

Reid’s final episode is expected to air by the end of this week​, on Friday, Feb. 28​.

TIMELINE

January 2025 – MSNBC Leadership Change

• MSNBC President Rashida Jones stepped down after nearly four years in the role, and former CNN executive Rebecca Kutler was named interim president​.

• This transition set the stage for potential programming changes as the network faced post-2024 election viewership challenges.

Feb 12, 2025 – Hints of Overhaul:

• In a Feb. 12 meeting with MSNBC staff, interim chief Rebecca Kutler hinted at big changes ahead.

• She spoke about “getting to build a new news organization… it’s going to be hard, but it’s also going to be exciting”​, indicating that a revamp of the schedule was imminent under her leadership.

Feb 13, 2025 – Kutler Named President

• MSNBC officially removed the “interim” tag and appointed Rebecca Kutler as president of the network.

• Kutler’s permanent elevation to the top job came amid what was described as a pivotal year for MSNBC, with expectations of major lineup decisions on the horizon.

Feb 23, 2025 – Joy Reid’s show canceled

• On Sunday morning, Feb. 23, reports emerged that MSNBC was canceling The ReidOut. The New York Times and other outlets, citing network insiders, reported that Reid would host her final shows this week and depart the 7 p.m.slot​.

• CNN confirmed via sources that the cancellation was part of a slate of changes instituted by Kutler, MSNBC’s new president​. This marked the first major shake-up of Kutler’s tenure.

• Later that day, more details of MSNBC’s overhaul became clear. Insiders confirmed that the 7 p.m. hour will be filled by a new panel program co-anchored by three hosts from the weekend show The Weekend — Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez​.

• Reports also noted further primetime changes: for example, 9 p.m. host Alex Wagner will not return to that slot (shifting to a correspondent role), and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki is expected to take on a weekday primetime show in the near future​.

REACTIONS

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): The conservative congresswoman cheered the cancellation. Greene wrote on X (Twitter) that “the ad execs and the board finally figured out that racism, lies, and Trump derangement syndrome will put them out of business,” referring to Reid’s commentary​.

Keith Olbermann (Former MSNBC Host): Olbermann, who once led MSNBC’s primetime lineup, criticized the network’s decision on social media. He argued MSNBC didn’t have a “Joy Reid problem” but rather “a Joe Scarborough problem,” suggesting that Morning Joe was more of an issue for the network’s brand than The ReidOut​.

Olbermann further cautioned that replacing Reid with a multi-host panel show would not work, recalling that such formats “didn’t work in 2003… even those executives understood the need for strong solo anchors”​.

WHAT’S NEXT

Replacement Program:

• MSNBC will fill the 7 p.m. void with a new panel-driven show led by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez​.

• All three co-anchors are alumni of The Weekend (MSNBC’s Saturday-Sunday political show) and bring a mix of backgrounds — including Democratic and Republican perspectives. The new program, expected to launch in early March, will continue MSNBC’s center-left commentary format in a fresh ensemble style.

Joy Reid’s Future:

• As of the cancellation announcement, Joy Reid’s next career move remains unclear​

• No official statements have been made about whether Reid will remain with MSNBC in some capacity or depart entirely, but her departure from the daily lineup marks a significant career juncture.

MSNBC’s Primetime Overhaul:

• Besides Reid’s exit, 9 p.m. host Alex Wagner will not be returning to her weeknight show; she is expected to shift to a special correspondent role after filling in during Rachel Maddow’s hiatus​.

• Meanwhile, Jen Psaki, who currently hosts a successful weekend program, is widely expected to take on a daily primetime slot​. Psaki’s show (launched in 2023 with Kutler’s involvement) has been MSNBC’s highest-rated weekend program, and insiders suggest she could move into the 9 p.m. hour once Maddow returns to a Monday-only schedule​.

• Additional talent changes are rumored: MSNBC is reportedly recruiting new voices like Politico’s Eugene Daniels and legal analyst Melissa Murray for on-air roles.