MSNBC Unveils Bold Primetime Shakeup as Joy Reid Exits Network

MSNBC has announced a sweeping overhaul of its programming lineup, set to take effect in April, as the network moves to maintain its rising viewership and strengthen its editorial direction. A key development in this revamp is the departure of Joy Reid and the cancellation of her 7 p.m. show, The ReidOut, a fixture on the network since 2020.

Big Moves to Keep Viewers Engaged

To stay competitive in the evolving media landscape, MSNBC is making strategic shifts, leveraging top talent and reshaping its programming to meet audience demands.

Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s new president, underscored the importance of adapting to audience needs in a company-wide memo obtained by CNN:

“We now have one of the most engaged audiences in all of television and are seeing rapid growth across digital, audio, and more. In the years ahead, we must continue to show up for our audiences in this critical moment while simultaneously best positioning ourselves for the future.” – Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC President

Primetime Overhaul: Psaki & Maddow Lead the Charge

Under the new lineup:

• Jen Psaki will anchor the 9 p.m. slot from Tuesday to Friday. Her show, Inside with Jen Psaki, has significantly expanded viewership since launching on Monday nights last September.
• Rachel Maddow will continue hosting the 9 p.m. slot one night a week. She previously expanded to four nights per week during the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.
• Alex Wagner, formerly hosting the 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday, will transition to a new role as a senior political analyst.

Changes to the 7 P.M. Hour

With The ReidOut ending, MSNBC is introducing a new team:

• Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will co-anchor the 7 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday.
• They will also host a special two-hour block on Mondays (7–9 p.m.)
• This team has already seen a 35% rise in total viewership during their weekend morning shows.

Weekend Overhaul & Extended Programming

MSNBC is revamping its weekend schedule to maximize engagement:

• Jonathan Capehart will co-host a new 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. edition of The Weekend on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Ali Velshi’s Velshi will be extended by an extra hour.
• Ana Cabrera’s Ana Cabrera Reports will now air from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Chris Jansing and Katy Tur will expand their afternoon programming.

Miami Bureau Closure & Washington Expansion

MSNBC is shutting down its Miami-based operations, affecting:

• José Díaz-Balart Reports and The Katie Phang Show.
• Díaz-Balart will continue anchoring Weekend Nightly News on NBC.
• Phang will transition into a legal correspondent role for MSNBC.

Meanwhile, MSNBC is consolidating production in New York and Washington, DC, establishing a dedicated MSNBC Washington Bureau in the coming months.

Job Market Impact & MSNBC’s Future Outlook

Despite these changes, MSNBC is expanding opportunities:

• Over 100 new positions will be posted this week.
• MSNBC anticipates workforce growth within six months.
• Reid’s staffers are encouraged to apply for new roles within the network.

Did Trump Influence MSNBC’s Decision?

Following the announcement, speculation arose that MSNBC was moderating its progressive stance in response to Trump’s presidency. When asked, Kutler was clear:

“No, it did not.”

The Future of MSNBC

MSNBC is setting the stage for a new era. By doubling down on star power, expanding key shows, and building a dedicated Washington Bureau, the network is reinforcing its role as a leader in political journalism.

With April’s changes on the horizon, MSNBC is positioning itself to be more dynamic, engaging, and responsive to today’s fast-moving news cycle.

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