Joy Reid Launches New Show: A Fresh Start After MSNBC Departure

After months of speculation and anticipation, Joy-Ann Reid has officially launched her new show, The Joy Reid Show, following her abrupt exit from MSNBC. Set to debut on June 9, 2025, the show represents a bold new chapter in Reid’s career, allowing her to continue providing political analysis and commentary on her own terms.

The show will stream three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—via YouTube and podcast platforms. This shift to digital media is Reid’s response to the evolving landscape of news consumption and her desire to have more control over her content, without the constraints of corporate media. The decision to move away from traditional television and embrace online platforms signals a growing trend in the media industry, where journalists and commentators are opting for more direct, unfiltered engagement with their audiences.

 

A New Beginning After MSNBC Exit

Reid’s exit from MSNBC in early 2025 was a significant moment in both her career and the network’s trajectory. Her show The ReidOut, which was widely regarded as one of the most important programs on MSNBC’s lineup, was canceled in the wake of a broader programming overhaul at the network. Many fans were left shocked by the decision, as The ReidOut had earned praise for its coverage of important political issues, particularly in the realm of racial justice, inequality, and Trump-era politics.

In her first public comments about her departure, Reid expressed frustration with the network’s decision. “I don’t think it was a ratings issue,” she said in an interview. “We were still holding our ground, but it seems like there were other forces at play. The network was shifting focus, and it was clear that my time there was coming to an end.”

Despite her disappointment, Reid remains optimistic about her next steps. “This is just the beginning of a new phase for me,” she shared. “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring a different kind of show, one that is more authentic and engages directly with the audience.”

The Show’s Format: Political Analysis and Unfiltered Conversations

The Joy Reid Show is set to offer a fresh perspective on politics, culture, and current events. Reid has long been an advocate for race-conscious politics and has used her platform to speak out against racial injustice, inequality, and political corruption. Her new show promises to continue this work, offering in-depth discussions on the issues that matter most.

The show will feature a mix of news analysis, guest interviews, and live, interactive segments that will allow Reid to engage directly with her audience. One of the key elements of the show will be its ability to dive deep into the biggest political and social issues of the day, while also offering a space for viewers to express their opinions and ask questions. A segment called Freestyle Fridays will give Reid the opportunity to interact with viewers in real-time, further building the connection between herself and her audience.

For the debut episode, Reid has already lined up a range of prominent guests, including comedian Amber Ruffin and former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. These guests will provide unique insights into both domestic and global politics, helping set the tone for a series that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is engaging. The show’s first preview episode will feature Newark Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka, providing a critical look at New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial primary.

Reid’s ability to secure influential and diverse guests speaks to her ongoing influence in both the political and entertainment spheres. With her finger on the pulse of the nation’s most pressing issues, Reid’s new show is sure to make waves in the media landscape.

 

A Changing Media Landscape and the Future of Journalism

Reid’s decision to leave MSNBC and pursue a new digital-first show is emblematic of a larger shift taking place in the media world. With the rise of digital platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and social media, traditional television networks are facing increasing pressure to adapt to changing audience habits. The decline in viewership for cable news programs, particularly in MSNBC’s case, has prompted many networks to rethink their strategies, with some opting to bring on new talent or alter their programming structure.

MSNBC’s recent programming struggles have been well-documented, with a sharp drop in viewership across the board. Shows like The ReidOut and The Weeknight have failed to capture the attention of viewers, and the network’s reliance on high-profile anchors like Rachel Maddow has not been enough to sustain its dominance. The decision to overhaul the programming and focus on new formats has only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the network’s future.

In this context, Reid’s shift to a digital platform represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By creating a space where she can directly engage with her audience, Reid is seizing the chance to carve out a new niche in the media industry—one that prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and real-time interaction. Her move underscores the growing importance of digital-first media in the future of journalism, as more and more viewers turn to platforms like YouTube for news and commentary.

 

A Return to Independent Media

The move to launch her own show on digital platforms also allows Reid to escape the confines of corporate media control, giving her the freedom to speak directly to her audience without having to answer to network executives. In doing so, Reid is embracing the opportunities offered by the changing media landscape and asserting her independence as a journalist.

Reid has always been a champion for marginalized voices, and this new platform will give her more flexibility to amplify those voices and challenge dominant narratives. Whether it’s through covering systemic issues like racial inequality or unpacking political developments, The Joy Reid Show promises to offer fresh, unfiltered commentary in a time when such perspectives are desperately needed.

The Future of MSNBC: A Network in Transition

The challenges at MSNBC go beyond Reid’s departure. With the network facing declining viewership and mounting pressure to shift its programming, it’s clear that significant changes are needed if MSNBC is to remain relevant in the digital age. The decision to cancel The ReidOut and replace it with The Weeknight is part of a broader strategy to diversify the network’s offerings. However, as the new lineup fails to bring in the desired results, questions remain about the network’s future.

In contrast, Reid’s move to digital media highlights the increasing trend of high-profile journalists leaving traditional broadcast networks for more flexible platforms. As the media industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that more journalists will follow suit, creating their own independent platforms that offer more control and freedom to report on issues without the constraints of corporate interests.

 

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Joy-Ann Reid

With the launch of The Joy Reid Show, Reid is poised to make a significant impact on the media landscape. Her willingness to step away from traditional television and embrace a more digital-first approach signals a new era in the way news and political commentary are delivered. By creating a platform that allows for direct engagement with her audience and a focus on unapologetic truth-telling, Reid is setting the stage for a successful new chapter in her career.

The media world is evolving, and Reid’s move represents both the challenges and the opportunities that come with this change. As she navigates this new space, one thing is clear: her voice will continue to shape the conversation around race, politics, and the future of journalism.