Joy Reid’s MSNBC Show Canceled in Major Shake-Up: New Panel Show to Take Over 7 p.m. Slot

MSNBC revamps primetime lineup, replacing “The ReidOut” with a trio-hosted panel featuring Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.

In a surprising move, MSNBC announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. program, The ReidOut, as part of a broader network shake-up. The show, which has anchored the network’s early primetime slot since 2020, will be replaced by a new panel-style program co-hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele. The decision marks a significant shift in MSNBC’s strategy as it seeks to diversify its programming and adapt to evolving viewer preferences.This article explores the implications of Reid’s show ending, introduces the new hosts, and analyzes MSNBC’s evolving primetime strategy.

The End of “The ReidOut”: What Happened?

MSNBC confirmed on October 10, 2023 that The ReidOut would conclude its run in late 2023. While the network praised Reid’s “sharp analysis and dedication to storytelling,” insiders suggest the cancellation aligns with a broader push to experiment with ensemble formats. Reid, a longtime MSNBC anchor, will remain with the network, contributing to election coverage and hosting special projects.The 7 p.m. ET slot is critical for cable news, serving as a lead-in to primetime heavyweights like Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes. Despite Reid’s strong rapport with progressive audiences, ratings for The ReidOut fluctuated amid competition from Fox News’ The Five and CNN’s The Situation Room.

Meet the New Hosts: A Trio of Political Heavyweights

The incoming panel show, tentatively titled America’s Voice, will feature three co-hosts with distinct political backgrounds:Symone Sanders Townsend A former senior advisor to President Joe Biden and prominent political commentator, Sanders Townsend brings insider expertise to the table. Her MSNBC contributions, including guest hosting on The ReidOut, have earned praise for their incisive critique of GOP policies.Alicia Menendez Known for her work on American Voices with Alicia Menendez, she has focused on issues affecting women, Latinx communities, and young voters. Menendez’s intersectional perspective aligns with MSNBC’s push to engage underrepresented demographics.Michael Steele The former RNC chair and Lincoln Project contributor offers a center-right counterbalance. Steele’s bipartisan appeal could help MSNBC court moderate conservatives disenchanted with Trump-era GOP rhetoric.

Why the Shake-Up? MSNBC’s Strategic Pivot

Industry analysts speculate that the shift reflects MSNBC’s response to two key challenges:Ratings CompetitionFox News dominates the 7 p.m. hour with The Five, a conservative panel show that blends news and opinion. MSNBC’s panel format may emulate this successful formula while maintaining a progressive slant.Diversifying VoicesBy featuring three hosts—representing Black, Latinx, and Republican perspectives—MSNBC aims to broaden its appeal. A network spokesperson emphasized “fresh dialogue” as essential to addressing today’s polarized political climate.

Reactions: Praise, Backlash, and Questions

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions:Progressive Supporters: Some fans lamented Reid’s departure from her solo platform, calling her “irreplaceable.”Media Critics: Outlets like The New York Times questioned whether MSNBC is sacrificing substantive analysis for “crowd-pleasing debate.”Optimistic Observers: Political strategist David Axelrod tweeted, “This trio could redefine how we talk about politics on TV.”Reid herself tweeted gratitude to her team and viewers, writing, “Change is hard, but necessary. Stay tuned for what’s next.”

Joy Reid’s Legacy and Future

Since replacing The Beat with Ari Melber in 2020, Reid has been a fixture of MSNBC’s progressive commentary. Her segments on voting rights, racial justice, and Trump-era politics resonated deeply with audiences, though critics occasionally accused her of partisan bias.Reid isn’t leaving MSNBC; she’ll transition to a role focused on long-form journalism and election specials. Her podcast, The ReidOut, will continue, and she’s rumored to be developing a docuseries on Black political history.

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What’s Next for MSNBC?

The network’s overhaul signals a prioritization of collaborative formats over solo-hosted shows. Upcoming changes include:Expanding Alex Wagner’s Tuesday-night show to weekly.Investing in digital-first content for younger audiences. MSNBC President Rashida Jones stated, “Our goal is to meet viewers where they are—whether that’s linear TV, streaming, or social media.”

A New Era for MSNBC

The cancellation remarks the end of an era but opens the door to innovative storytelling. With Sanders Townsend, Menendez, and Steele at the helm, MSNBC is betting on dynamic, multi-perspective dialogue to captivate audiences. As the media landscape evolves, one thing is clear: adaptability is key to survival.

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