Joy Ann-Reid, one of MSNBC’s most well known commentators and television hosts, recently had her show The ReidOut cancelled by the channel. Reid began her career with talk show The Reid Report (2014-2016), followed by her morning show AM Joy, which ran from 2016-2020. AM Joy began Reid’s success at MSNBC, as viewers fell in love with Reid’s passion for reporting and politics. Her most recent and last program at MSNBC, TheReidOut, which first aired in 2020, had a successful 5 year run which amassed millions of viewers. Reid had a significant impact on modern-day news reporting with her perspectives on progressive issues and sharp commentary on president Donald Trump.
The MSNBC lineup is not the only thing shaken up- the cancellation of TheReidOut has sparked responses from Reid’s fans throughout social media as well as amongst other MSNBC correspondents. Rachel Maddow, host of The Rachel Maddow Show, shared a statement amidst Reid’s departure from the team. “I love everything about her,” stated Maddow. “I have learned so much from her. Personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door. It is not my call and I understand that, but that’s what I think.”
Maddow’s statement aligned with the viewpoint of several social media users and fans of TheReidOut who were dismayed at the news of Reid’s departure. One social media user stated, “Joy Reid is one of the boldest voices speaking truth to power..MSNBC should not have fired her. Joy deserves to have a show in prime time given how many she speaks for.”
Reid’s cancellation is just one of many changes being made to the MSNBC program lineup. The network additionally cancelled The Katie Phang Show, Ayman with Ayman Mohyeldin, the Alex Wagner Show, and more. The revamp is orchestrated by Rebecca Kulter, the newly appointed president of the channel. Reid’s show is replaced by Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, and Symone-Sanders Townsend, who previously hosted The Weekend. MSNBC viewers throughout America have been tuned in for the new segments replacing TheReidOut following the last episode, which aired on February 24th.
Upon her departure, Reid made a closing statement on social resistance in the final episode of her show. “The first rule is to fight back, to never stop resisting…even if it’s scary, or uncomfortable, or inconvenient….You don’t always win every battle, but the whole thing is about resisting.” Her statement served as a key example of the concepts TheReidOut emphasized throughout its successful five-year run. Although her show has ended, the impact of Joy Reid on MSNBC will leave behind a legacy that is sure to be remembered.
