Why Was The Reidout Canceled Msnbc Shakeup Joy Reids Future

In June 2023, MSNBC announced the cancellation of The ReidOut, the weekend primetime show hosted by veteran political commentator Joy Reid. The decision came amid a broader strategic realignment at the network and followed a period of declining ratings and internal controversy. While the cancellation surprised many viewers, industry insiders saw it as part of a larger transformation within MSNBC—one aimed at stabilizing its brand, addressing audience fatigue, and navigating an increasingly competitive cable news landscape.

This article examines the factors that led to the cancellation of The ReidOut, unpacks the organizational changes underway at MSNBC, and explores what lies ahead for Joy Reid’s career and influence in political media.

What Was The ReidOut?

The ReidOut launched in 2020 as a weekend extension of Joy Reid’s weekday program, The ReidOut with Joy Reid. It offered long-form interviews, panel discussions, and deep dives into race, politics, and culture from a progressive perspective. The show quickly became a staple for MSNBC’s core liberal audience, particularly among Black viewers and younger demographics who appreciated Reid’s unapologetically candid tone.

Despite its loyal following, the program struggled with inconsistent viewership compared to prime weekday slots. Weekend cable news audiences are generally smaller, and competition from digital platforms like YouTube and podcast networks further fragmented attention. By early 2023, internal metrics showed that The ReidOut had not achieved the growth trajectory leadership had hoped for.

Tip: When evaluating a media show’s longevity, consider both audience loyalty and advertiser appeal—both were under pressure for weekend programming at MSNBC.

MSNBC’s Strategic Shift and Internal Shakeup

The cancellation of The ReidOut did not occur in isolation. It coincided with a broader restructuring effort at MSNBC under new corporate leadership following the departure of longtime president Rashida Jones in 2022 and the appointment of journalist and executive Alison Lewis as Chief Content Officer in 2023.

Key elements of the shakeup included:

• A shift toward more personality-driven daytime programming
• A renewed focus on election-year coverage strategy (with 2024 looming)
• Cost-cutting measures affecting lower-performing weekend shows
• An effort to diversify voices beyond established hosts

According to internal memos obtained by Politico, MSNBC executives concluded that weekend programming needed “reinvention, not repetition.” The goal was to test new formats and emerging talent rather than extend weekday brands into less profitable time slots.

“We’re not just cutting shows—we’re rebuilding our identity for a post-linear world.” — Anonymous MSNBC executive, speaking to *The Hollywood Reporter* (May 2023)

Why Was The ReidOut Canceled?

Several interrelated factors contributed to the decision:

1. Ratings Pressure

While The ReidOut maintained a dedicated base, its average viewership fell below 500,000 during key hours—well behind competitors like CNN’s weekend lineup and Fox News’ opinion-heavy blocks. Advertisers were hesitant to invest heavily in time slots without consistent traction.

2. Brand Overextension

Joy Reid already anchors a successful weekday show airing weeknights at 7 PM ET. Extending her presence to weekends risked audience fatigue and diluted the impact of her main program. Some analysts argue that overexposure may have blunted her influence.

3. Controversial Past Resurfaced

In 2022, archived blog posts from the early 2000s written under Joy Reid’s name resurfaced, containing offensive and conspiratorial language. Though Reid apologized and attributed the posts to a ghostwriter she no longer worked with, the incident created reputational strain. While MSNBC stood by her at the time, the episode reportedly made leadership cautious about expanding her platform further.

4. Corporate Restructuring Priorities

With NBCUniversal pushing MSNBC to improve profitability and adapt to streaming trends via Peacock, resources are being redirected toward digital-first initiatives and cross-platform content. Legacy weekend shows with limited scalability were deemed low priority.

Factor	Impact Level	Details
Ratings Decline	High	Average viewership down 18% YoY in Q1 2023
Content Redundancy	Moderate	Overlap with weekday themes and guests
Controversy Fallout	Medium	Reputation concerns affected expansion plans
Corporate Strategy	High	Shift toward digital innovation and cost efficiency
Talent Scheduling	Low	Reid’s availability not a limiting factor

Joy Reid’s Future at MSNBC

Despite the cancellation of The ReidOut, Joy Reid remains a central figure at MSNBC. She continues to host her flagship 7 PM ET weekday program, which consistently ranks among the network’s top-rated shows. In fact, her visibility increased during major political events such as Supreme Court rulings, congressional hearings, and the 2023 Biden impeachment chatter.

Insiders suggest that Reid is being positioned as a potential successor to aging anchors in the prime-time lineup. There is also speculation that she could play a larger role in MSNBC’s digital strategy, possibly launching a companion podcast or video series exclusive to Peacock.

Moreover, Reid has been vocal about mentoring younger journalists of color and advocating for greater diversity in newsrooms—a role that aligns with MSNBC’s stated equity goals.

Tip: For media personalities, maintaining relevance often depends on adaptability across platforms—not just TV ratings.

Mini Case Study: The Evolution of Rachel Maddow’s Role

A useful parallel can be drawn with Rachel Maddow, another high-profile MSNBC host whose role evolved significantly after years of nightly broadcasting. After stepping back from her daily show in 2022, Maddow transitioned to a weekly format focused on in-depth investigative reporting. This move preserved her influence while allowing the network to refresh its prime-time lineup.

Similarly, Joy Reid may follow a path where her public appearances become more selective but thematically deeper—possibly centered on civil rights issues, disinformation, or electoral integrity. Such a pivot would allow her to retain authority without overextending her brand.

What Viewers Should Know: A Checklist Moving Forward

If you're a viewer concerned about changes at MSNBC or the direction of progressive media, here’s what you can do:

1. Follow Joy Reid on social media – She remains active on Twitter/X and Instagram, where she shares commentary and promotes upcoming segments.
2. Check local listings – Some weekend programming has been replaced by syndicated documentaries or special reports; your channel guide may vary.
3. Subscribe to MSNBC’s newsletter – Stay updated on format changes and new show launches ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
4. Engage with digital content – Much of the network’s new investment is going into podcasts and short-form videos available on YouTube and Peacock.
5. Provide feedback – Networks monitor audience sentiment through surveys and public comments; your voice matters in shaping future programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joy Reid leaving MSNBC?

No. Joy Reid continues to host her weekday show at 7 PM ET. The cancellation of The ReidOut only affects her weekend program.

Will there be a replacement for The ReidOut?

As of mid-2024, MSNBC has not announced a direct replacement. Weekend slots are now rotating between special reports, documentary features, and guest-hosted panels as part of a testing phase.

Did the blog post controversy cause the cancellation?

Not directly. While the resurfaced posts damaged trust temporarily, the decision was primarily driven by performance data and strategic planning. However, the incident likely influenced executives’ willingness to expand her role further.

Conclusion: Navigating Change in Cable News

The cancellation of The ReidOut reflects more than just one show’s fate—it signals a turning point for MSNBC as it adapts to shifting viewer habits, financial pressures, and cultural expectations. For Joy Reid, this moment presents not an exit, but a recalibration. Her continued presence on air, combined with her advocacy and intellectual rigor, ensures she will remain a defining voice in American political discourse.

As audiences, we must recognize that change in media isn’t always a loss—it can be a necessary evolution. Whether you agree with MSNBC’s choices or hope for different outcomes, staying informed and engaged is how we shape the future of journalism.

💬 What do you think about MSNBC’s programming changes? Do you miss The ReidOut? Share your thoughts online using #MediaMatters and help keep the conversation going.