Why Did Joy Reid Leave MSNBC? The Real Story Revealed!

Melody Christiansen 14 May 2025

Is the media landscape shifting beneath our feet? The departure of Joy Reid from MSNBC signals more than just a change in programming; it raises questions about the network's direction and the future of progressive voices in prime time television.

New York (AP) — Joy Reid is leaving MSNBC, as announced in a memo to staff on Monday by the network's new president. This marks the end of "The ReidOut," the prime-time show hosted by the prominent political analyst and broadcast news anchor. Reid has been a fixture at MSNBC, particularly since 2020 when she took over the 7 p.m. hour following Chris Matthews' departure. Her show, "The ReidOut," quickly became a staple of the network's evening programming, known for its progressive commentary and sharp analysis of current events.

Category	Information
Full Name	Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid (née Reid)
Date of Birth	December 8, 1968
Age	56 (as of November 2024)
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Education	Harvard University (B.A. in Visual and Environmental Studies)
Occupation	Political Analyst, Television Host, Author
Spouse	Jason Reid
Children	3
Estimated Net Worth (June 2023)	$4 million
MSNBC Tenure	Various roles, including host of "AM Joy" and "The ReidOut" (2020-Present)
Notable Achievement	2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series
Associated Programs	"The ReidOut," "AM Joy," various MSNBC news programs
Political Stance	Progressive
Website	joyreid.com

The news of Reid's departure has reverberated throughout the media world, prompting reactions ranging from disappointment to speculation about the motives behind the move. Rachel Maddow, a prominent figure at MSNBC, expressed her dismay, calling the decision a "bad mistake." Maddow, 51, emphasized her deep affection and respect for Reid, 56, stating that in her extensive career, she has never had a colleague for whom she held more regard. This sentiment underscores the significant role Reid played within the network and the personal impact of her departure.

Reid’s history with MSNBC extends beyond "The ReidOut." She previously hosted "AM Joy," a weekend talk show that provided a platform for in-depth discussions on politics and culture. Her transition to the 7 p.m. hour in 2020 was seen as a major step in her career, solidifying her position as one of MSNBC's most visible and influential anchors. Throughout her time at the network, Reid has been recognized for her insightful commentary and her willingness to tackle challenging topics, often becoming a focal point for discussions surrounding race, gender, and social justice.

The cancellation of "The ReidOut" has left many viewers wondering about the reasons behind MSNBC's decision. The show has been a consistent presence since 2020, providing coverage of political news and current events from a progressive perspective. Some speculate that the move is part of a larger restructuring of MSNBC's programming, while others suggest that Reid's outspoken criticism of certain political figures may have played a role. Regardless of the specific reasons, the cancellation of "The ReidOut" marks a significant shift in MSNBC's prime-time lineup.

The end of "The ReidOut" does not necessarily signify the end of Joy Reid's career in journalism and television. While "The Reid Report" may no longer grace the airwaves, her commitment to MSNBC, as stated, and her lasting impact on the network's journalism are undeniable. Reid has built a successful career, and as of June 2023, her estimated net worth is $4 million. This financial stability provides her with the flexibility to pursue other opportunities and continue to contribute to the media landscape.

In a move that surprised many, just two months after her final broadcast, Reid announced a new partnership with State of the People, a political organization. This collaboration signals her continued dedication to political commentary and activism, suggesting that she is far from finished with influencing the political discourse. The details of this partnership are still emerging, but it is clear that Reid intends to remain a prominent voice in the progressive movement.

The atmosphere surrounding Reid's departure appears to be charged with tension. Reports indicate that Reid’s staff had a "tense" meeting with MSNBC chiefs after learning that her show was being axed. The specifics of this meeting remain confidential, but the reports suggest that the decision was not well-received by those who worked closely with Reid on "The ReidOut." The abrupt nature of the cancellation and the lack of transparency surrounding the decision have fueled speculation and resentment within the network.

The void left by Reid's departure is palpable. Rachel Maddow, during her own show, openly criticized the decision made by MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler. Maddow emphasized her deep respect and affection for Reid, highlighting her contributions to the network and the value she brought to the team. Maddow stated, "In all of the jobs I have had in all of the years I have been alive, there is no colleague for whom I have had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid. I love everything about her. I have learned so much from her…" These heartfelt words demonstrate the significant personal and professional impact of Reid's departure.

MSNBC's perceived motivation for removing Reid has also come under scrutiny. Some sources suggest that there was a "secret plot" to remove Reid, driven by a desire to moderate the network's political stance. These allegations claim that Reid's outspokenness and progressive views were seen as liabilities by certain individuals within MSNBC. The suggestion that the network sought to "silence one of its own voices" has further fueled the controversy surrounding her departure.

Adding another layer to the controversy, reports have surfaced that Rachel Maddow was also "forced to take a $5 million pay cut." This news has led to speculation that MSNBC is undergoing a broader financial restructuring, potentially impacting other prominent anchors and programming decisions. The combination of Reid's departure and Maddow's reported pay cut has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety within the network.

The conservative media has seized upon the events at MSNBC, with some outlets framing Reid's departure as a consequence of her "wokest" tendencies. These narratives often highlight Reid's social media activity, suggesting that her "regular social media rants" violated network standards. Such interpretations portray Reid's departure as a victory for conservative voices and a sign of MSNBC's shift away from progressive activism.

The implications of Reid's departure extend beyond MSNBC's programming lineup. Journalist Karen Attiah took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her appreciation for Reid's consistent support of Black voices in media. Attiah stated, "Over the course of my career, Joy Reid has been one of the few to give me and so many other Black voices consistent airtime. Black women's voices are needed now more…" This statement underscores the importance of Reid's role in providing a platform for marginalized voices and the potential impact of her absence on representation in media.

While the precise reasons for Reid's departure remain subject to speculation, the event has undoubtedly triggered a major shakeup at MSNBC. The network is reportedly preparing for a "programming reset," which could involve further changes to its lineup and a re-evaluation of its overall strategy. The departure of a prominent figure like Reid signals a period of transition and uncertainty for MSNBC as it seeks to redefine its identity in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Despite the circumstances surrounding her departure, Joy Reid's legacy at MSNBC is secure. She hosted "The ReidOut" for more than four years, providing a platform for progressive voices and offering sharp political insights to a wide audience. Her work has been recognized with several esteemed honors, including the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series. These accolades attest to her impact on the network and her contributions to the field of journalism.

In the wake of the controversy, Joy Reid remains a prominent figure, though her immediate future remains uncertain. Her announcement of a partnership with "State of the People" indicates her continued commitment to political engagement, though details about that partnership remain unclear. The final episode of "The ReidOut" was expected to be this week, according to earlier announcements. Her departure coincides with what some describe as a major shake-up in MSNBC’s programming, marking the end of what many call “the Joy Reid era” at the network.

In the meantime, speculations continue to arise. Some suggest MSNBC wants to give more airtime to the former Biden administration press secretary, while others hint at a larger restructuring taking place. Whatever the reasons, Joy Reid’s departure from MSNBC marks the end of an era. The liberal commentator, who was leaving her 7 p.m. weeknight show amidst this larger shakeup, was perhaps the network's toughest critic of Donald Trump. However, her contributions to the media landscape and her commitment to political discourse are undeniable.

Ultimately, the story of Joy Reid’s departure from MSNBC is a complex one, filled with speculation, conflicting narratives, and unanswered questions. What is clear is that her absence will be felt by viewers and colleagues alike, and that her contributions to the network will be remembered for years to come. As Reid embarks on her next chapter, the media world will be watching closely to see what she accomplishes and how she continues to shape the conversation around politics and social justice.