Joy-Ann Reid Launches Unfiltered New Show After MSNBC Exit: A New Era in Journalism

After her abrupt departure from MSNBC, Joy-Ann Reid has returned to the media scene with a bold new project: The Joy Reid Show. Set to debut on June 9, 2025, the digital-first show marks a new chapter for the political commentator, journalist, and advocate for social justice. Known for her fearless commentary and insightful political analysis, Reid is embracing the flexibility of streaming platforms to provide unfiltered, in-depth discussions about the pressing issues of our time.

The show will stream three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, allowing Reid to bypass traditional network restrictions and speak directly to her audience. With her signature style of unapologetic commentary, The Joy Reid Show promises to bring authenticity, transparency, and a fresh perspective to the world of political discourse.

 

A New Beginning After MSNBC’s Restructuring

Reid’s departure from MSNBC in early 2025 was a major turning point in her career. Her show, The ReidOut, which had been a key feature in MSNBC’s primetime lineup, was canceled as part of a broader restructuring effort at the network. Despite having earned significant praise for her fearless reporting, particularly on issues of race and politics, the cancellation was part of an effort to reshape the network’s programming lineup under new leadership.

The cancellation of The ReidOut shocked many of Reid’s loyal viewers, especially considering her show’s strong performance during the 2024 presidential election cycle. However, the decision was made amid a broader decline in MSNBC’s ratings and a desire by network executives to retool their programming. Reid’s exit, while disappointing, has given her the opportunity to explore new avenues and take control of her career in a way that traditional media outlets could not offer.

Digital-First: Reid’s Move to YouTube and Podcasting

Reid’s decision to take her talents to digital platforms reflects the changing media landscape. In an era where viewers are increasingly turning to streaming services and podcasts for news, Reid’s move to YouTube is a strategic one that allows her to directly engage with her audience in an unfiltered way. “I’m excited to bring The Joy Reid Show to YouTube and podcasting platforms where I can truly connect with people on a deeper level,” Reid shared in a statement. “This is my chance to have more honest and open conversations with my audience and tackle the issues that matter most.”

The show will feature a mix of news analysis, political commentary, and interviews with a diverse range of guests. Reid has long been an advocate for racial justice and has used her platform to bring attention to the struggles of marginalized communities. Her new show will continue this work by highlighting underrepresented voices and bringing attention to critical social issues that are often ignored by mainstream media outlets.

In her first episode, Reid will be joined by a host of high-profile guests, including comedian Amber Ruffin and former South African ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool. These guests will provide valuable insights into both domestic and international political issues. Reid’s ability to secure such influential guests is a testament to her continued standing in the media industry, even after her departure from MSNBC.

 

A Platform for Honest Dialogue and Unfiltered Conversations

One of the key features of The Joy Reid Show is its commitment to providing a platform for honest, unfiltered dialogue. Reid has long been known for her ability to cut through the noise of partisan rhetoric and address the heart of the issues that matter most. In a time when many news outlets are accused of catering to partisan views and filtering information through political lenses, Reid’s new show promises to be a space for open, direct conversations about the issues shaping the nation.

Through The Joy Reid Show, Reid will continue to challenge the political status quo, asking the tough questions and engaging in difficult conversations that other shows may avoid. With segments like “Freestyle Fridays,” where Reid will interact directly with her viewers, the show will allow for real-time engagement and discussions that reflect the concerns of everyday Americans. Reid’s decision to bring such a personal and interactive touch to her show signals a desire to break away from the corporate-controlled, scripted formats that have come to define mainstream news media.

MSNBC’s Declining Viewership and the Larger Media Landscape

MSNBC’s struggles with declining ratings are not isolated to Reid’s exit. The network, which once dominated the cable news landscape, has seen its primetime viewership drop significantly in recent years. In fact, according to Nielsen ratings, MSNBC’s primetime audience dropped by 41% in the key 25-54 demographic, and by 34% overall compared to the previous year. The network’s attempts to revamp its programming lineup with new shows like The Weeknight and The Briefing with Jen Psaki have failed to restore the viewership it lost.

Reid’s exit from MSNBC comes as part of a larger trend in the media industry, where traditional cable news networks are facing increasing competition from digital platforms. Streaming services, social media, and independent news outlets are rapidly gaining ground, especially among younger viewers who prefer to consume news content on their own terms. This shift is forcing networks like MSNBC to rethink their approach to content delivery and viewer engagement.

 

Reid’s move to YouTube and podcasting is part of this broader trend. As more journalists and commentators embrace digital platforms, traditional networks are increasingly seen as outdated and slow to adapt. Reid’s ability to connect with her audience directly, without the constraints of corporate networks, will likely be a major factor in her success as she navigates this new era of media.

A New Chapter for Reid: Staying True to Her Voice

For Reid, The Joy Reid Show represents not just a career move but a return to her roots. Throughout her career, Reid has used her platform to challenge the dominant narratives around race, politics, and justice. Her work has always been about speaking truth to power and elevating the voices of those who are often silenced in mainstream media.

Her new show will continue this mission, offering a space for the kind of honest, unfiltered commentary that Reid has long been known for. Whether tackling the issues of the day, interviewing key political figures, or engaging with her audience directly, Reid’s goal is to provide a platform for real conversations about the things that matter most.

 

Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start in a New Media Era

The Joy Reid Show is set to be a game-changer in the world of digital journalism. Reid’s ability to build a loyal audience and engage directly with viewers will make her a powerful force in the evolving media landscape. As the traditional news industry grapples with changing viewer habits and declining ratings, Reid’s decision to launch a digital-first show may prove to be a model for other journalists looking to carve out new paths in the industry.

In a time when political discourse is often polarized, The Joy Reid Show promises to offer a platform where uncomfortable truths can be spoken and where all sides of an issue can be heard. Reid’s unique voice and commitment to truth-telling make her return to television not just an exciting opportunity for her career, but a much-needed addition to the world of media.

As The Joy Reid Show debuts this summer, it will undoubtedly set the stage for a new era in American journalism, one where authenticity, engagement, and truth are at the forefront of the conversation.