MSNBC Shake-Up: Network Cancels Joy Reid’s Show Amid Plummeting Ratings

In a shocking move that has taken the media world by storm, MSNBC has announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s long-running primetime show, The ReidOut. The decision is part of a broader strategy to overhaul the network under new president Rebecca Kutler, marking a significant turning point for the liberal news outlet. Reid’s departure from the 7 p.m. slot has sent ripples through the media landscape, as the once-popular show, known for its sharp criticisms of former President Donald Trump, has struggled with plummeting ratings.

The End of an Era for The ReidOut

Joy Reid’s The ReidOut has been a cornerstone of MSNBC’s evening programming since 2020, but after five years on the air, the show is set to air its final episode this week. The news comes just after a period of dwindling viewership, with Reid’s audience numbers steadily decreasing since the election of Donald Trump in 2016. In fact, recent Nielsen Media Research data revealed that Reid’s viewership had dropped by nearly 50% since Trump’s election, signaling a larger issue at MSNBC.

The decision to pull Reid from primetime programming underscores the growing challenges that MSNBC has faced in the past few years. The network, once a dominant player in the cable news landscape, has struggled to keep up with rival networks like Fox News, which continues to attract a larger, more loyal audience. Despite her outspoken persona and loyal following among progressive viewers, Reid’s failure to draw consistent numbers has led to her show’s cancellation.

A New Direction for MSNBC’s Primetime Lineup

With the cancellation of The ReidOut, MSNBC will attempt a new direction in its primetime programming. The network is set to replace Reid’s show with a new panel format featuring co-hosts Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend. The panel show is expected to provide a more diverse and dynamic approach to political commentary, as the trio will bring a mix of perspectives to the network’s evening broadcasts.

This shift in direction also includes changes at other prime slots. Alex Wagner, who had been hosting the 9 p.m. time slot during the week, is expected to transition into a contributor role, according to multiple sources. While Wagner had served as a substitute anchor for Rachel Maddow, who occasionally took time off, this move signals a change in her future with the network. Sources suggest that Wagner may no longer return to her regular weeknight hosting role, further solidifying the network’s plans to reimagine its programming lineup.

For MSNBC, this reshuffling is the first major overhaul under Rebecca Kutler, who took over as president of the network earlier this month. Kutler, a former senior executive at CNN, has a reputation for tackling difficult challenges head-on, and her efforts to restructure the network come at a time when MSNBC faces unprecedented competition in the cable news landscape.

Kutler’s Strategy for a Revamped MSNBC

Rebecca Kutler has made it clear that her mission is to reshape MSNBC in a way that better reflects the modern media landscape. She acknowledged the unique challenges facing the network, especially in a political climate shaped by the presidency of Donald Trump. Under her leadership, MSNBC is striving to balance its progressive voice with the growing need to stay relevant in an increasingly polarized media environment.

“We are living in unusual times, and our jobs are harder than ever,” Kutler told MSNBC employees upon assuming her new role. “We must adapt, we must evolve, and we must do so quickly to stay competitive.”

Kutler’s strategy includes streamlining the network’s roster of hosts, implementing cost-saving measures, and focusing on new talent that can attract a broader viewership. While many of the network’s highest-profile anchors, including Reid, have faced significant ratings declines, Kutler’s approach aims to bring fresh perspectives and voices to the forefront, hoping to revitalize MSNBC’s once-dominant presence.

The Decline of MSNBC’s Ratings

MSNBC’s ratings decline has been noticeable for years, but the situation has worsened in the wake of the Trump administration’s end. For example, The Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC’s flagship program, has seen a 43% drop in its audience in the aftermath of the 2020 election. In 2024, Maddow’s show is averaging just 1.4 million viewers, a far cry from its peak during the early days of the Trump presidency.

Even more concerning for MSNBC is the show’s sharp decline in the critical 25-54 age demographic, where Maddow has lost 56% of her viewership since Election Day 2020. This demographic is crucial for attracting advertisers, and the drop in these numbers signals a fundamental challenge for MSNBC in retaining its core audience.

Maddow herself made significant changes to her show format in 2022, opting to reduce her hosting duties to once a week to focus on other projects. Although she remains under contract with the network, her dwindling viewership has raised questions about the network’s long-term strategy and the effectiveness of its top-tier talent.

MSNBC Faces Industry-Wide Challenges

MSNBC is not alone in facing challenges in the competitive world of cable news. As the media industry continues to evolve, many networks are struggling to maintain relevance in an era of streaming services and shifting viewer habits. While Fox News has remained largely unaffected by these trends, networks like MSNBC and CNN are grappling with declining ratings and a fragmented audience base.

The ongoing challenges for MSNBC are compounded by the larger political and cultural shifts in the country. The network’s liberal bent, which once made it a go-to destination for progressive viewers, has faced increasing scrutiny as the political landscape changes. In particular, the network’s over-reliance on Trump-era narratives has led some viewers to feel that MSNBC is stuck in the past.

The decision to cancel The ReidOut is part of a broader acknowledgment that MSNBC must evolve if it hopes to regain its position as a leading player in cable news. As Kutler leads the charge for change, the network will likely continue to experiment with new formats, hosts, and perspectives to regain its footing in an increasingly competitive market.

Looking Ahead: Will the Changes Revitalize MSNBC?

As the dust settles on this massive shake-up, the future of MSNBC remains uncertain. The cancellation of The ReidOut and the reshuffling of prime-time programming reflect the network’s efforts to adapt to a changing media landscape. Whether these changes will successfully revitalize the network or leave it further behind its competitors is a question that only time will answer.

For now, one thing is clear: the shake-up at MSNBC marks the beginning of a new era for the network. As viewers and industry insiders wait to see the impact of these changes, all eyes will be on how the network navigates its transition under the leadership of Rebecca Kutler. Only time will tell whether these efforts will lead to a revival of MSNBC’s ratings or whether it will be another casualty of the shifting cable news landscape.