In a significant shake-up at MSNBC, Joy Reid will host her final evening news program this week, marking the end of an era for her popular show, The ReidOut. According to sources close to the matter, this change is part of a broader overhaul of the network’s programming under Rebecca Kutler, who recently took over as MSNBC’s president. Kutler, known for her strategic vision, is reshaping the network’s lineup to align with its progressive roots while adapting to the evolving media landscape. The ReidOut, which has been a staple at 7 p.m. ET since 2020, will be replaced by a new co-hosted format featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, all of whom currently helm The Weekend, a two-hour program airing on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This shift comes as MSNBC seeks to capitalize on the success of The Weekend, which has boosted viewership in its time slot by an impressive 35%.
Joy Reid, a prominent figure at MSNBC, has been a key voice in progressive media. Before launching The ReidOut, she hosted AM Joy, the network’s weekend talk show, from 2016 to 2020. While her departure from the evening slot marks a change, MSNBC is committed to maintaining its progressive identity, especially with the return of former President Donald Trump to office. Since Trump’s inauguration, MSNBC has seen a significant surge in viewership, with primetime hours increasing by 77% and total daytime viewers growing by 34%. This surge underscores the network’s continued relevance in the highly charged political climate.
As part of the programming changes, Rebecca Kutler is expected to unveil additional updates to multiple MSNBC shows in the coming weeks. A network spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics, but sources indicate that Kutler is focused on strengthening MSNBC’s position as a leader in progressive news and analysis. One notable change involves Alex Wagner, who has been hosting Alex Wagner Tonight as a substitute for The Rachel Maddow Show on weeknights at 9 p.m. ET. Wagner will not return to this primetime slot but will remain with the network as a correspondent, contributing to special assignments and coverage.
Jen Psaki, whose show Inside with Jen Psaki launched in 2023 with Kutler’s support, is poised to play a larger role in the network’s primetime lineup. Psaki’s program is currently MSNBC’s most-watched weekend show, and she is being considered for one of the primetime hours during the week. A former White House press secretary under President Joe Biden and a political contributor for CNN from 2017 to 2020, Psaki brings a wealth of political expertise and visibility to her role. There is speculation that she could take over the 9 p.m. ET slot after Rachel Maddow returns to her show on a reduced schedule, focusing on covering the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.
In addition to these changes, Kutler is reportedly looking to expand MSNBC’s talent roster by recruiting Eugene Daniels, Politico’s White House correspondent, and Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University. These additions reflect Kutler’s commitment to bringing diverse perspectives and deep expertise to the network’s programming. Speaking at a February meeting with network leaders, Kutler emphasized the challenges and opportunities ahead, stating, “This is going to be a really exciting time but also a challenging time. I think it’s important that we as leaders are honest about that and about the challenges ahead. Our jobs are hard on a normal day, and these are not normal times.”
Kutler officially became MSNBC’s president on February 12, after serving as interim president. Her appointment was praised by Mark Lazarus, CEO of SpinCo, the company now overseeing MSNBC following its corporate spinoff from Comcast. Lazarus highlighted Kutler’s strategic vision and leadership skills, noting that she is well-equipped to guide MSNBC through a period of industry change and position it for growth. With Kutler at the helm, MSNBC is navigating a pivotal moment, balancing its progressive mission with the demands of a rapidly shifting media environment. As the network continues to evolve, fans of Joy Reid and other departing hosts will no doubt be watching closely to see how these changes shape the future of MSNBC.
