MSNBC Overhauls Primetime Lineup with Joy Reid Departure and New Hosts

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MSNBC has announced a significant overhaul of its primetime lineup, effective in April, which includes the departure of Joy Reid and the introduction of new hosts. The changes come as the network seeks to build on its recent surge in viewership and position itself for long-term success. As part of the overhaul, Jen Psaki will take over the 9 p.m. hour on Tuesdays through Fridays, while Rachel Maddow will revert to hosting the 9 p.m. slot once a week. The network is also canceling two Miami-based shows and expanding its operations in other cities, including New York and Washington, D.C.

The departure of Joy Reid, who has hosted "The ReidOut" since 2020, is a significant change for the network. Reid's show has been a staple of the network's primetime lineup, and her departure has been met with both praise and criticism. According to Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC's newly minted president, the network is committed to maintaining its diversity and inclusion efforts, despite the departure of Reid and other non-white hosts. The network has announced that Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over the 7 p.m. slot, Tuesday through Friday, and will also host a two-hour show on Mondays.

The overhaul of the primetime lineup is part of a broader effort by MSNBC to adapt to the evolving media landscape and maintain its growing audience. The network has seen significant growth in its digital and audio platforms, and is seeking to build on this momentum through the introduction of new hosts and shows. The changes also reflect the network's commitment to innovation and its desire to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing media environment. As part of the changes, the network will introduce a new trio of co-hosts to anchor a 7 a.m. and a new 6 p.m. edition of "The Weekend" on Saturdays and Sundays.

Here is a list of the key changes to the MSNBC lineup: * Jen Psaki will anchor the 9 p.m. hour on Tuesdays through Fridays * Rachel Maddow will revert to hosting the 9 p.m. slot once a week * Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over the 7 p.m. slot, Tuesday through Friday * The network will introduce a new trio of co-hosts to anchor a 7 a.m. and a new 6 p.m. edition of "The Weekend" on Saturdays and Sundays * Ali Velshi will expand his show "Velshi" by an additional hour * Ana Cabrera will expand her show "Ana Cabrera Reports" by an hour * Chris Jansing will anchor "Chris Jansing Reports" from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. * Katy Tur will add an hour to "Katy Tur Reports," from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The changes to the MSNBC lineup have been met with a range of reactions, from praise for the network's commitment to diversity and inclusion to criticism for the departure of Joy Reid and other non-white hosts. Rachel Maddow, a prominent host on the network, has spoken out against the changes, calling the departure of Reid a "bad mistake" and expressing concern about the impact on behind-the-scenes staff. Despite the controversy, the network remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality news and analysis to its audience, and is confident that the changes will position it for long-term success.