They Canceled The ReidOut, But Black Women Are Standing With Joy
Joy Reid’s Impact on Prime-Time News
Joy Reid made history in July 2020 when she became the first Black woman to anchor a prime-time cable news program with her MSNBC show, The ReidOut. For nearly five years, her 7 p.m. hour was a critical space for political analysis, social justice issues, and hard-hitting journalism—delivered with the depth, intelligence, and historical context that made her a standout.
Reid’s show was not just another political talk hour. It was a space where Black voices, women’s issues, and racial justice movements weren’t afterthoughts—they were priorities. Her reporting on voter suppression, democracy under attack, police violence, and systemic racism made The ReidOut an essential watch, particularly for Black viewers who rarely saw these issues discussed with such urgency and nuance on mainstream news.
Her ability to connect current events to history set her apart. Whether breaking down the January 6th insurrection, challenging Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, or explaining the deep roots of white supremacy in American politics, Reid offered analysis that others simply weren’t delivering. She also provided a national platform for activists, political leaders, and experts of color—from Stacey Abrams to Vice President Kamala Harris, long before their influence was widely recognized.
Her influence wasn’t just in her reporting—it was in her audience. The ReidOut consistently attracted one of the highest percentages of Black viewers in cable news, proving there was a demand for news told through a lens of truth and accountability. In early 2025, she and her show were awarded multiple NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding News/Information Series, reinforcing how deeply she resonated with Black audiences.
MSNBC Cancels The ReidOut
Despite her success, MSNBC abruptly announced in February 2025 that The ReidOut was being canceled as part of a network-wide programming shake-up. MSNBC cited declining post-election ratings and a new vision under network president Rebecca Kutler as the reasons for the move. Reid’s final episode aired on February 24, 2025, marking the end of her historic prime-time tenure.
Advertisement
In a memo to staff, MSNBC executives praised Reid’s contributions and noted that she had won several major awards, including her recent NAACP honors. However, the decision to remove the only Black woman host in prime-time immediately raised questions among her loyal viewers.
MSNBC’s leadership has denied that race played a role in her removal, emphasizing their plans for a revamped lineup that includes a new panel-style show at 7 p.m. featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. While the new format includes diverse voices, many Black viewers saw the optics of removing Joy Reid from her solo prime-time slot as troubling.
Rachel Maddow, MSNBC’s biggest star, didn’t hold back in her criticism, calling the decision “indefensible” on air:
“On a network where we had only two nonwhite hosts in prime time, both of them are now losing their shows. That doesn’t feel like progress to me.” – Rachel Maddow
Black Women Fight Back
The cancellation of The ReidOut has ignited a movement, not just a reaction.
Within hours of the news breaking, over 10,000 people joined an emergency Zoom call organized by Win With Black Women, an advocacy group that has consistently championed Black female leadership in politics and media. The meeting included Reid herself, along with major figures like Angela Rye and Don Lemon, who spoke about the need to protect Black voices in mainstream media.
Nikole Hannah-Jones and Jemele Hill joined the public outcry, with Hill stating:
“MSNBC removing Joy Reid is a loss for journalism. She didn’t just report—she educated.” – Jemele Hill
Even former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross stood just off-camera during Reid’s final broadcast, a visible sign of Black women standing together.
What’s Next for Joy Reid?
Reid’s story isn’t ending—it’s evolving.
She has already hinted at launching her own independent platform, reviving her old Joy-Ann Reid | Substack newsletter, and exploring new ways to engage directly with her audience. One thing is certain: her voice will not be silenced.
“You don’t always win every battle. But the whole thing is about resisting.” – Joy Reid, final broadcast of The ReidOut
Black women aren’t just mourning the loss of The ReidOut—they’re organizing.
