Joy Reid, the long-time host of *The ReidOut* on MSNBC, is set to part ways with the network after more than four years of anchoring the evening show.

The decision to cancel her program has sparked a significant amount of conversation,

especially after reports surfaced that Reid’s staff was caught off guard by the news.

According to sources, the staff learned about the cancellation through media reports rather than direct communication from MSNBC leadership,

leading to a tense and emotional reaction.

The final episode of *The ReidOut* will air this week, marking the end of an era for Reid on MSNBC.

Her evening time slot, which had been a fixture of the network’s programming since 2020, will be taken over by a new show hosted by a trio of individuals: Democratic strategist Symone Sanders Townsend, former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele, and journalist Alicia Menendez. This change is part of a broader shakeup at MSNBC, overseen by the network’s newly appointed leader, Rebecca Kutler, who is aiming to overhaul MSNBC’s programming lineup.

Reports from *The New York Times* indicate that the announcement of Reid’s show being axed came as a shock to her team, who had learned about the decision through the media rather than a formal announcement from MSNBC’s leadership. This led to what media journalist Oliver Darcy described as a “tense” and emotional 30-minute meeting with Reid’s staff. The team was reportedly frustrated by the lack of direct communication from the network’s higher-ups, which only added to the turmoil surrounding the cancellation.

Reid, who has been with MSNBC since 2014, had become a prominent figure on the network. Her departure from the evening program has sparked mixed reactions, with both praise and criticism coming from different sides of the political spectrum. Many Democrats have praised Reid for her contributions to the network and her commitment to giving a voice to underrepresented communities. Elie Mystal, a journalist, expressed his gratitude to Reid on social media, saying, “I owe the television part of my career to Joy Reid, as do so many other Black voices y’all never would have heard of if not for her.” Mystal and other supporters pointed out that Reid’s role on the network was integral, and her departure was seen as part of a troubling pattern of undervaluing Black voices in media.

Outgoing Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison also voiced his appreciation for Reid, praising her for offering a platform to often-overlooked political voices, especially Black candidates. He noted her willingness to feature multiple Black candidates running for the U.S. Senate, a rare feat in mainstream media. Additionally, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms expressed her sadness over Reid’s departure, acknowledging that Reid was the only African American woman with her own show on MSNBC.

However, the reaction from conservative circles has been markedly different. Right-wing commentators and figures, including media personality Piers Morgan and journalist Billy Binion, celebrated Reid’s exit from the network. Morgan, who has been a vocal critic of Reid, called the cancellation “long overdue.” Binion, on the other hand, accused Reid of perpetuating what he described as “the worst kind of journalism.”

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, using his platform on Truth Social to criticize MSNBC’s programming, calling the network a “vehicle of the Democrat Party” and claiming that it spread misinformation.

The broader context of these programming changes suggests that MSNBC is seeking to retool its lineup to better cater to a changing audience. While Reid’s exit is a significant part of this shift, she is not the only high-profile personality to be affected. Alex Wagner, another MSNBC host, has also had her weekday evening show removed, though she is expected to continue working with the network as a contributor.

The cancellation of *The ReidOut* has sparked debate over how media networks are reshaping their programming strategies, and it has led to broader discussions about representation in the media. As MSNBC moves forward with these changes, the impact of Reid’s departure, both on the network and on her dedicated viewers, remains to be seen. Many are left wondering if the network’s new direction will live up to the standard that Reid had set for bringing diverse voices and perspectives to primetime television.