MSNBC has decided to cancel Joy Reid’s evening show, “The ReidOut,” as part of a significant programming overhaul led by the network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler. Reid’s final show will air this week. Sources indicate that Kutler plans to replace “The ReidOut” with a new format featuring co-hosts from “The Weekend”—Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. “The Weekend,” which airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings, has seen a 35% increase in viewership in its time slot.
Before hosting “The ReidOut,” Reid led the weekend show “AM Joy” from 2016 to 2020. Despite these changes, MSNBC remains committed to its progressive approach, with rising viewership since former President Donald Trump’s return to office. The network has seen a 77% increase in primetime viewership and a 34% increase in total daily viewers since his inauguration.
Kutler, who assumed the role of MSNBC president on February 12, is expected to announce further changes to other shows on the network. Alex Wagner, who had been filling in for Rachel Maddow’s primetime slot, will no longer continue in that role but will remain as a correspondent. Jen Psaki, whose weekend show “Inside with Jen Psaki” has been the network’s most-watched program, is expected to take over a primetime hour, possibly filling the 9 p.m. ET slot after Rachel Maddow’s once-a-week return.
Kutler, a former CNN executive with two decades of experience, is also rumored to be bringing in new talent, including Eugene Daniels from Politico and law professor Melissa Murray. The new president’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for MSNBC, which is undergoing a corporate spinoff from Comcast.
In a recent meeting with network leaders, Kutler emphasized the challenges ahead and the importance of navigating these times with honesty and strategic vision.
