MSNBC’s decision to cancel the shows of Joy Reid and Alex Wagner has sparked significant criticism from within the network, as some of its most prominent anchors publicly condemned the move. Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, and others expressed strong disapproval, with Maddow describing the cancellations as a major mistake. Concerns have been raised about both non-white prime-time hosts losing their shows simultaneously, as well as the impact on their production teams, who now face uncertainty about their employment.
The restructuring, announced by MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, has created unease among network employees. Maddow highlighted the disruption caused by layoffs and the growing anxiety among staffers, emphasizing that the situation has been particularly difficult given the demanding nature of their work. Although MSNBC has stated that affected employees are encouraged to apply for new positions, there are no guarantees of reemployment, leaving many in a precarious position.
The announcement also fueled reactions from conservative media, where figures celebrated Reid’s exit. Former President Donald Trump labeled MSNBC as a partisan entity, while right-wing commentators such as Benny Johnson and Tim Pool mocked Reid’s departure. Major conservative outlets, including Breitbart and The Daily Wire, framed the cancellation as MSNBC distancing itself from far-left viewpoints. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld also ridiculed the situation, drawing applause from his audience.
MSNBC, however, has denied any external political influence in its programming decisions. The network attributed some of the changes to logistical reasons, particularly the cancellation of Miami-based shows following Comcast’s upcoming spinoff. As a result, MSNBC’s weekday morning anchor José Díaz-Balart will continue at NBC as the weekend Nightly News anchor, while Katie Phang will remain with MSNBC in a legal correspondent role.
The revamped schedule introduces new hosts and reshuffles existing talent. Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over Reid’s 7 p.m. slot. Meanwhile, after Maddow reduces her show to a once-a-week format in April, Jen Psaki will assume the 9 p.m. time slot from Tuesday through Friday. Wagner, who also lost her show, will transition into a senior political analyst role.
Despite the internal and external reactions, MSNBC has pushed forward with its realignment. Reid, on her final broadcast, did not provide an explanation for her departure but focused on broader political issues, emphasizing the need for resilience. MSNBC anchors have continued to praise her tenure, pushing back against the narrative promoted by conservative media.
The shake-up has left many viewers unsettled, with questions remaining about the future direction of MSNBC’s programming. The network has positioned the changes as part of a larger restructuring effort, but critics—both inside and outside MSNBC—remain vocal about the implications of these decisions.