Key Points:

  • Joy Reid’s Show Canceled: MSNBC is ending The ReidOut as part of a major programming overhaul led by new president Rebecca Kutler.
  • New Lineup Announced: The Weekend co-hosts Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will replace Reid in the 7 p.m. ET slot. Jen Psaki is set to anchor a primetime hour, while Rachel Maddow reduces her schedule.
  • Strategic Shifts Amid Corporate Changes: MSNBC’s restructuring coincides with its spinoff from Comcast into SpinCo, signaling a focus on progressive voices and independent newsgathering.

MSNBC’s Programming Overhaul: Joy Reid Out, New Faces In

In a bold move signaling a new era for MSNBC, the network has canceled Joy Reid’s evening show The ReidOut as part of a sweeping programming shakeup orchestrated by newly appointed president Rebecca Kutler. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, marks a significant shift in MSNBC’s lineup while reaffirming its commitment to progressive journalism amid President Donald Trump’s return to office.



Joy Reid’s Final Week on Air

Reid, a fixture at MSNBC since 2014 and host of The ReidOut since 2020, will host her final episode this week. Her departure follows a career marked by sharp critiques of Trump and advocacy for liberal policies. Previously, Reid anchored the weekend show AM Joy (2016–2020), solidifying her role as a leading progressive voice. Despite her influence, Kutler’s decision reflects a strategic pivot to refresh MSNBC’s primetime offerings.

New Primetime Lineup: The Weekend Takes Center Stage

Kutler plans to replace The ReidOut with co-hosts from MSNBC’s weekend morning program The Weekend: Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. The trio, known for their lively debates and left-leaning analysis, will helm a new 7 p.m. ET show. The Weekend has seen a 35% viewership increase in its Saturday/Sunday 8 a.m. ET slot since launching in 2024, making it a natural choice for primetime expansion .

Symone Sanders-Townsend: A former advisor to Kamala Harris and Biden’s 2020 campaign, Sanders-Townsend brings deep political experience.

Michael Steele: The ex-RNC chairman and longtime Trump critic adds a bipartisan dynamic.

Alicia Menendez: Set to become MSNBC’s first Latina primetime host, Menendez strengthens the network’s diversity efforts.



Jen Psaki’s Rise to Primetime

Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, whose weekend show Inside with Jen Psaki is MSNBC’s top-rated weekend program, will anchor a weekday primetime hour. Psaki, who joined MSNBC in 2023, is poised to take the 9 p.m. ET slot after Rachel Maddow transitions to a once-weekly schedule in April. Maddow, MSNBC’s longtime star, returned to nightly programming post-Trump’s inauguration to boost ratings but will scale back after covering his first 100 days .

Alex Wagner’s Role Shifts

Alex Wagner, who substituted for Maddow’s 9 p.m. ET slot on Tuesdays–Fridays, will step down as a primetime anchor to focus on special assignments like Trumpland: The First 100 Days. She will remain with MSNBC as a correspondent, retaining her role in the network’s evolving lineup .

Kutler’s Vision for MSNBC’s Future

Kutler, a 20-year CNN veteran hired by MSNBC in 2022, faces the challenge of steering the network through its spinoff from Comcast into SpinCo—a new publicly traded entity. MSNBC will soon operate independently from NBC News, necessitating robust in-house newsgathering. Kutler plans to establish a Washington D.C. bureau, hire a head of talent, and expand digital strategy to position MSNBC as a standalone progressive powerhouse .

Talent Expansion: Kutler is recruiting Politico’s Eugene Daniels and NYU law professor Melissa Murray, signaling a focus on political and legal expertise.

Viewership Surge: Since Trump’s inauguration, MSNBC’s primetime viewership has surged 77%, with total daily viewers up 34%, proving progressive content remains in high demand

 


Corporate Spinoff and Industry Challenges

MSNBC’s spinoff from Comcast into SpinCo, led by CEO Mark Lazarus, marks a pivotal moment. The network must now build its own reporting infrastructure, a costly but necessary step to compete with rivals like CNN and Fox News. Kutler’s strategy hinges on retaining MSNBC’s progressive identity while adapting to a fragmented media landscape.

Industry Reactions and Speculation

Media analysts note Kutler’s moves balance audience retention with innovation. While Reid’s departure may unsettle some viewers, the introduction of Psaki and The Weekend team aims to attract younger, diverse audiences. The hiring of Daniels and Murray further diversifies MSNBC’s bench, countering criticism of cable news’ homogeneity.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for MSNBC

As MSNBC navigates corporate changes and a polarized political climate, Kutler’s programming overhaul underscores a commitment to progressive journalism. With Trump back in office and ratings on the rise, the network’s ability to adapt while staying true to its roots will determine its success in the post-spinoff era. Reid’s legacy as a trailblazer remains, but MSNBC’s future now hinges on its ability to evolve under Kutler’s leadership.


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