Joy Reid’s MSNBC Departure: Unpacking ‘The ReidOut’ Cancellation and Her Enduring Impact
The landscape of cable news is ever-shifting, and one of the most significant recent developments involves the departure of prominent journalist and political commentator, Joy Reid. After a celebrated run, MSNBC has officially canceled her long-running show, ‘The ReidOut.’ This news has sparked widespread discussion among viewers and industry insiders alike, prompting questions about Reid’s future with the network and the broader implications for progressive media voices. Is Joy Reid leaving MSNBC entirely, or will she transition to a different role within the network? We delve into the details surrounding the cancellation, explore Reid’s impactful career, and examine the potential reasons behind this high-profile change.
The announcement of ‘The ReidOut’s’ conclusion comes amidst a discernible trend of prominent journalists and news anchors departing major cable networks. Figures such as NBC’s Hoda Kotb, CBS’s Norah O’Donnell, CNN’s Chris Wallace, and Fox News’s Neil Cavuto have all, in varying capacities, either transitioned or left their long-held positions, signaling a period of significant evolution within the broadcast media industry. For many viewers, the immediate question following the news of ‘The ReidOut’s’ cancelation was whether Joy Reid was simply moving on or if she had been fired by MSNBC. Below, we’ll uncover more about Reid’s status and her storied career.
Who Is Joy Reid?
Joy-Ann Reid is a multifaceted talent known for her incisive political commentary, her engaging presence as a television host, and her thought-provoking work as an author. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Reid’s academic background includes graduating from Harvard University with a concentration in film. Her career journey into journalism wasn’t linear, initially exploring local television news and even working as a campaign press secretary, experiences that undoubtedly shaped her unique perspective on media and politics.
Reid’s substantial career has been largely intertwined with MSNBC, where she cultivated a reputation as a leading progressive voice. Her tenure at the network saw her rise through various roles, demonstrating her versatility and deep understanding of American political discourse. In 2016, she launched the popular morning show AM Joy, which quickly garnered a dedicated following. By 2018, the program attracted approximately one million viewers, many of whom proudly identified as #reiders on social media, a testament to her ability to connect with and mobilize an audience. AM Joy became a crucial platform for in-depth political analysis, often featuring discussions on race, social justice, and conservative politics, topics that would become hallmarks of Reid’s commentary.
The success of AM Joy paved the way for her promotion to a primetime slot. In July 2020, Reid took over the coveted 7 p.m. hour, replacing veteran anchor Chris Matthews after his sudden resignation in March of the same year. This move marked a significant milestone, as she became the only Black woman to host a nightly primetime news show on a major cable news network, a position of immense visibility and influence. Her new show, The ReidOut, built upon the foundation of her previous work, continuing to offer a progressive lens on current events, policy, and cultural issues.
Beyond her television career, the New York City native is also an accomplished author. She has penned several significant books that delve into American politics and history, including Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide, and The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story. These works further solidify her position not just as a commentator, but as a serious intellectual contributing to the national conversation.
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Reid has become particularly known for her unflinching criticism of Donald Trump and his political allies. Her commentary often highlighted what she perceived as the dangers of right-wing extremism and the erosion of democratic norms. Her outspokenness frequently put her at the center of political debates, making her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. For instance, following a significant election victory for Trump in 2024, Reid made headlines during the Thanksgiving holiday with her pointed remarks aimed at “right-wingers.” She told The New York Post, “Make your own dinner, MAGA,” a statement that encapsulated her direct and often provocative style.
During that same period, she further elaborated on her stance regarding post-election reconciliation, stating, “But if you expect the 73 million who voted for the prosecutor, not the felon and particularly the 92 percent of Black women who voted for Kamala to give you a cookie for your vote, a trophy, a hug, a high-five, you might be asking too much. If we want to eat with you, we will. But if we want some peace over the holidays and we don’t want to put up with your trolling while we eat our Tofurky, get over it.” These comments exemplified her passionate approach to political discourse, reflecting the deep divisions within the American electorate and her unwavering commitment to representing a progressive viewpoint.
The Evolving Landscape of Cable News and High-Profile Departures
Joy Reid’s departure, while significant, is part of a broader, ongoing transformation within the cable news industry. In recent years, numerous high-profile anchors and journalists have either left their networks or transitioned to new roles, reflecting shifts in viewership habits, technological advancements, and evolving political climates. The move towards digital platforms, the rise of streaming services, and a younger audience’s preference for on-demand content have all contributed to a re-evaluation of traditional linear television models. Networks are constantly strategizing how to remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
The departures of figures like Hoda Kotb, Norah O’Donnell, Chris Wallace, and Neil Cavuto from their respective prominent positions are not merely isolated incidents but indicators of this larger trend. Some transitions are voluntary, driven by desires for new challenges or personal reasons, while others may be part of network-led efforts to refresh their lineup, appeal to different demographics, or align programming with new strategic visions. These changes often signal a network’s attempt to adapt to declining linear TV ratings and respond to the growing demand for diverse content formats. For MSNBC, a network known for its strong progressive identity, changes in its primetime lineup are always closely scrutinized, as they can reflect a deeper recalibration of its political messaging and audience engagement strategies.
Why Was Joy Reid’s MSNBC Show Canceled?
The precise reason for the cancellation ofThe ReidOut has not been explicitly stated by MSNBC, leading to much speculation. However, industry insiders, who spoke to outlets like Variety and Deadline, suggest that the move is part of a broader shake-up in the network’s evening lineup. The reports indicate that the 7 p.m. time slot, previously held by Reid, is expected to be taken over by The Weekend anchors Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. Joy’s final primetime show aired on February 24, 2025.
This programming change closely follows a significant leadership transition at MSNBC. The cancellation was announced roughly a month after former network President Rashida Jones‘ departure, with Rebecca Kutler stepping in as the new President. New leadership often brings fresh perspectives and strategic shifts, and it is common for a new president to re-evaluate existing programming to align with their vision for the network’s future. While specific ratings or performance issues were not cited publicly, it is plausible that the decision reflects a strategic effort to evolve MSNBC’s primetime offerings, perhaps aiming for a different format or a broader appeal within the progressive spectrum, or to integrate new talent more prominently into the daily lineup.
Was Joy Reid Fired from MSNBC?
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While MSNBC’s official statements have maintained a tone of gratitude for Joy Reid’s contributions, the question of whether she was “fired” or simply “leaving” remains a key point of discussion. NPR reported that she was, indeed, fired by MSNBC, suggesting that the decision for her departure was made by the network rather than being a mutual agreement or Reid’s initiative. This aligns with how major network changes are often handled, with public statements carefully crafted to avoid negative connotations while internal memos might offer a more direct, albeit still professional, assessment.
In a memo issued to staff, obtained by ABC News, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler acknowledged Reid’s departure. The letter stated, “Joy Reid is leaving the network, and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years. Her work has been recognized with several esteemed honors, including most recently, the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series.” This statement, while appreciative, does not provide specific reasons for the departure, focusing instead on her achievements.
Joy Reid herself confirmed her final show in an Instagram post, expressing gratitude to her supporters. She captioned her post, “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets. So very proud of The Reidout @joy.msnbc.com team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends. See you tomorrow night at 7, one more time.” Her message was heartfelt, emphasizing her pride in her team and her connection with her audience, without explicitly detailing the circumstances of her exit.
Perhaps the most poignant reaction came from her now-former colleague, Rachel Maddow, who spoke out shortly after Joy’s final appearance. Maddow’s emotional tribute during her own broadcast offered a rare glimpse into the internal sentiment surrounding Reid’s departure. “Joy Reid’s show, The ReidOut, ended tonight. And Joy is not taking a different job in the network,” Maddow began. “She is leaving the network altogether and that is very, very, very hard to take. I am 51 years old. I have been gainfully employed since I was 12. I have had so many different types of jobs you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But in all the jobs that I have had, in all of the years I have been alive, there is no colleague for whom I’ve had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid. I love everything about her. I’ve learned so much from her. I have so much more to learn from her. I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC, and personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door.” Maddow’s strong words underscore not only her personal admiration for Reid but also suggest a broader sense of loss and perhaps disagreement within the network regarding the decision.
Joy Reid’s Enduring Impact and Commentary Style
Joy Reid’s career at MSNBC, particularly her tenure with The ReidOut and AM Joy, has left an indelible mark on cable news. She carved out a niche as a fierce and articulate advocate for progressive ideals, offering a counter-narrative to conservative media and challenging mainstream perspectives on race, politics, and social justice. Her shows were platforms for rigorous debate and insightful analysis, often centering on the experiences and concerns of marginalized communities.
Her direct and often confrontational style, especially in her criticism of Donald Trump and his supporters, resonated deeply with a segment of the audience hungry for an uncompromising progressive voice. While some found her commentary polarizing, her supporters viewed her as a courageous truth-teller unafraid to tackle difficult subjects. Her willingness to engage in robust political discourse, even when it meant generating controversy, solidified her position as a distinctive and essential voice in the national conversation. The “Make your own dinner, MAGA” comment, for example, while controversial, perfectly encapsulated the frustration and disillusionment felt by many progressives in the current political climate, and Reid was never one to shy away from articulating such sentiments directly.
What Is Joy Reid’s Net Worth?
Given her long and successful career in journalism, television hosting, and authorship, Joy Reid has accumulated significant wealth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Reid has an estimated net worth of $4 million. This figure reflects her earnings from various roles, including her substantial salary as a primetime anchor for MSNBC, income from her successful book deals, and other media appearances and speaking engagements. Her financial success is a testament to her sustained influence and marketability as a leading voice in American media.
Looking Ahead: Joy Reid’s Future Beyond MSNBC
While her chapter at MSNBC has concluded, Joy Reid’s career as a prominent voice in political commentary is far from over. With an established brand, a loyal following of “reiders,” and a proven track record as both a host and an author, Reid is well-positioned for future endeavors. The modern media landscape offers numerous avenues for seasoned journalists and commentators to continue their work, whether through podcasts, digital-first news platforms, streaming services, or independent media projects. Her departure could open doors to new opportunities that allow her even greater creative freedom or the ability to reach different audiences. Given her deep expertise in political analysis and her unwavering commitment to progressive ideals, it is highly anticipated that Joy Reid will continue to play a significant role in shaping public discourse for years to come.
Conclusion
Joy Reid’s departure from MSNBC and the cancellation of ‘The ReidOut’ represent a notable shift within the cable news ecosystem. Her impactful career at the network, marked by incisive commentary, a strong progressive voice, and a commitment to addressing critical social and political issues, has left an undeniable legacy. While the specifics of her departure remain subject to interpretation, the reactions from colleagues like Rachel Maddow underscore the significance of her presence and the void she leaves behind. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Joy Reid’s influence as a political commentator and thought leader is expected to endure, making her next steps a point of keen interest for her devoted audience and the broader media world.