MSNBC’s Cancellation of The ReidOut Marks a Pivotal Shift in Primetime
MSNBC is shaking up its primetime lineup, officially canceling The ReidOut, hosted by Joy Reid, in a move that signals a major editorial shift under new network president Rebecca Kutler. The decision, which has sparked a frenzy on X, comes as MSNBC faces declining ratings and evolving viewer demands.
Reid, who made history as the first Black woman to anchor a primetime slot on the network, debuted The ReidOut in July 2020. Since then, the show has been known for its progressive commentary, tackling race, politics, and culture with an unapologetic stance. However, its audience has steadily declined, dropping 28% in the last year alone, from 1.3 million viewers in February 2024 to just 973,000 this month.
What’s Replacing The ReidOut?
Instead of continuing with a single-host format, MSNBC is launching a new panel-style show featuring Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. This trio—already familiar to MSNBC’s weekend audience—previously hosted The Weekend. The shift appears to align with Kutler’s broader strategy: move toward ensemble programming to diversify perspectives and boost engagement.
Reactions: Social Media Cheers, Jeers, and Questions MSNBC’s Next Move
On X, the reaction to Reid’s cancellation has been a mix of celebration and skepticism. Critics of the host say her partisan and often race-focused commentary alienated viewers, while supporters argue her exit reflects a shift away from strong progressive voices at MSNBC. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether the new panel—comprised of a Democratic strategist (Sanders), a former RNC chair (Steele), and a veteran journalist (Menendez)—will fare any better in the ratings game.
This move also comes on the heels of MSNBC’s leadership shakeup, following former president Rashida Jones’ departure after four years at the helm. With Kutler now in charge, it’s clear the network is redefining its identity, but will these changes bring back lost viewers? Or is this just another attempt at repackaging the same struggling content?
What do you think—was MSNBC right to cancel Joy Reid? Will the new panel succeed where The ReidOut failed? Let us know your thoughts!
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