MSNBC Cancels Joy Reid’s Show “The Reidout” as Ratings Fail

Red "Cancelled" stamp under a spotlight.

MSNBC’s controversial host Joy Reid is set to depart the network, leaving behind a trail of heated debates and declining ratings.

Quick Takes

Joy Reid’s show “The Reidout” will be dropped by MSNBC at the end of February 2025 due to declining ratings.
MSNBC is experiencing significant audience losses, with a 41% drop in primetime viewers since 2024.
The network is undergoing changes, including the return of Rachel Maddow to a five-night weekly schedule.
Reid’s departure has sparked reactions from various political figures, including President Donald Trump.
The cancellation is part of MSNBC’s strategy to improve ratings under new leadership.

MSNBC Cancels “The Reidout” Amid Ratings Struggle

MSNBC has decided to cancel Joy Reid’s daily show “The Reidout” at the end of February 2025, marking a significant shift in the network’s primetime lineup. The decision comes as MSNBC grapples with declining viewership and aims to revitalize its programming strategy. The 7 p.m. ET time slot, currently occupied by Reid, will be replaced by a panel show co-hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.

The cancellation is part of a broader effort by new MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler to improve the network’s ratings. MSNBC has faced significant challenges, experiencing its lowest-rated January in history for the crucial 25-54 demographic, which is vital for advertisers. The network’s primetime audience has plummeted, with a staggering 41% drop since 2024.

Reid’s Controversial Legacy at MSNBC

Throughout her tenure at MSNBC, Joy Reid became known for her outspoken and often controversial commentary on various political and social issues. Her statements frequently sparked both admiration and criticism, reflecting the polarized nature of contemporary media discourse. Reid’s approach to covering sensitive topics such as racial justice, immigration reform, and the political strategies of the Republican party, especially those aligned with Donald Trump, often led to heated debates and divisive reactions from viewers and political figures alike.

“Part of the price of MAGAdom, particularly if you are a person of color is to take the humiliation, you know? I mean, Nikki Haley was not even invited, she was ostentatiously disinvited from this convention. Yet, she still said, ‘I pledge all my delegates to Trump,'” – Joy Reid

Reid’s controversial statements extended to various topics, including comparisons between political figures and historical events.

Reactions to Reid’s Departure

The news of Joy Reid’s show cancellation has elicited strong reactions from various quarters, most notably from President Donald Trump. Trump, a frequent target of Reid’s criticism, took to social media to express his views on the matter, describing Reid as “one of the least talented people” in television and accusing her of being a “mentally obnoxious racist.”

Trump’s criticism extended beyond Reid to encompass MSNBC as a whole and its parent company, NBC. He accused the network of being a “corrupt operation” and an “illegal arm of the Democrat Party.” Other political commentators, such as Charlie Kirk, also weighed in, describing Reid’s show as “unwatchable.”

MSNBC’s Path Forward

As MSNBC navigates this transition, the network is implementing several changes to boost its ratings and regain viewer interest. One significant move is the return of Rachel Maddow to a five-night weekly schedule, reversing her previous reduction in hosting duties. This decision highlights the network’s reliance on its established personalities to attract viewers in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

The cancellation of “The Reidout” and the subsequent programming changes reflect the broader challenges faced by traditional news networks in maintaining relevance and viewership in a rapidly evolving media environment. As MSNBC reshapes its lineup, the impact of Joy Reid’s departure on political discourse and media polarization remains to be seen, leaving viewers and industry observers alike to ponder the future direction of cable news programming.