MSNBC Stuns Viewers with Bold New Host After Shocking Joy Reid Exit – Who might be the perfect replacement?

Eugene Daniels, 36, will step in to host ‘The Weekend,’ MSNBC confirmed Monday. The journalist – previously of Politico and a frequent MSNBC contributor – is seen relishing the opportunity on Monday’s Morning Joe

A former college football star with a distinctly flamboyant style, Daniels is set to be added to the permanent lineup this spring after already serving as a Morning Joe contributor for four years

Joy Reid weeps as she breaks silence on MSNBC firing

MSNBC has officially named Eugene Daniels as the newest face of its on-air talent, replacing Joy Reid after her abrupt departure. The announcement has sent waves through the media landscape, as the network undergoes one of its most drastic shake-ups in recent years.

Daniels, a White House correspondent for Politico and a familiar face on MSNBC, will take over “The Weekend,” a morning show airing on Saturdays and Sundays. The decision follows MSNBC’s struggle with declining ratings, which led to a series of show cancellations and reshuffling of hosts.

The morning show’s current hosts – Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders-Townsend – are set to assume the 7pm slot left behind by Reid as a result, a move that elevates three people of color to primetime

A Rising Star Takes Center Stage

At 36, Daniels has built a reputation as a sharp political analyst and an expert on Kamala Harris’s political journey. His frequent appearances on MSNBC made him a standout, and now the network is giving him a permanent spot in its weekend lineup.

During an appearance on Morning Joe after the announcement, Daniels expressed excitement about his new role. “You guys put me on TV all the time, so now they just stuck me there,” he joked, acknowledging his years of contributing to the network.

Joy Reid’s Exit Shakes MSNBC

Reid’s departure marks a major shift for MSNBC, which has been struggling to maintain viewership. The ReidOut, which once attracted nearly 3 million viewers per episode, saw a steep decline, dropping to just 778,000 viewers by February. With the network’s primetime ratings plummeting, MSNBC made the controversial decision to cut ties with Reid.

Along with her exit, other hosts, including Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin, also lost their shows. However, Capehart and Mohyeldin will remain on weekend programs, while Phang will continue as a legal analyst.

Daniels is set to head the revamped Weekend show with Capehart and the third, unnamed host, while Mohyeldin will be part of a new evening edition of ‘The Weekend’

The New Face of MSNBC Weekends

Daniels’ The Weekend will feature Jonathan Capehart as a co-host, alongside another yet-to-be-named personality. The move represents MSNBC’s attempt to refresh its brand and reclaim viewers lost over the past few years.

Daniels brings a dynamic energy to the network. A former college football player, he transitioned into journalism and made a name for himself covering the Biden-Harris campaign. His bold fashion choices and direct reporting style have made him a standout in political media circles.

MSNBC executives believe Daniels is the right choice to bring fresh energy to the weekend slot. “Eugene has proven to be a compelling voice in political coverage,” a network insider shared. “He’s sharp, engaging, and has a unique ability to connect with audiences.”

A Major Gamble for MSNBC

This shift signals a new era for MSNBC as it struggles to regain its standing in the cable news landscape. With Joy Reid’s departure and the addition of Daniels, the network is making a clear statement: it’s willing to take risks to stay relevant.

The question remains—will Daniels be able to turn things around for MSNBC, or will this shake-up lead to further decline? Viewers will soon find out as The Weekend kicks off this spring.