MSNBC Cancels Joy Reid’s Evening Show Amid Rating Struggles

MSNBC has announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s evening program, “The ReidOut,” as part of a broader effort to revamp its lineup due to falling ratings. According to The New York Times, Reid’s final show is expected to air this week.

In an attempt to rejuvenate its programming, MSNBC will introduce a new panel show to fill the 7 p.m. ET slot, featuring co-hosts Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.

The decision comes under the direction of MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, who aims to address the network’s ratings challenges. Variety reports that additional changes are anticipated as MSNBC seeks to refresh its primetime offerings.

MSNBC has experienced some of its lowest viewership numbers in January, particularly in the key 25-54 demographic, critical for advertising revenues. During prime time hours from 8-11 p.m. ET, the network struggled, drawing only 734,000 viewers, compared to CNN’s 522,000.

The network’s ratings woes reflect broader issues across cable and legacy news outlets, which have seen viewership declines amid a saturated news cycle covering significant events like political inaugurations and scandals.

The return of Rachel Maddow to a nightly broadcast was intended to stem the loss of viewers but has not met expectations. MSNBC’s audience in the key demographic has nearly halved compared to last year, with a continuous decline since the recent election.

This shakeup follows the departure of MSNBC President Rashida Jones earlier this year, marking a turbulent period for the network. Amidst these changes, MSNBC and its parent company, NBCUniversal, are also dealing with a $30 million defamation lawsuit settlement related to false reporting by its on-air personalities, including Maddow.

As MSNBC navigates these challenges, the network is set to reintroduce Maddow at 9 p.m. for the first 100 days of the new presidential term, hoping to recapture its audience.

Joy Reid, known for her strong and often controversial opinions, has been a polarizing figure. Following an incident involving an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Reid faced criticism for her speculative comments on the situation, adding to the controversies surrounding her and the network.

MSNBC has declined to comment on the cancellation of Reid’s show and the ongoing programming adjustments.