MSNBC Primetime Shake-Up: Joy Reid & Alex Wagner Out, Jen Psaki Rising
MSNBC is shaking up its primetime lineup in a dramatic overhaul that sees Joy Reid and Alex Wagner exiting their slots, as the network scrambles to regain its footing amidst declining viewership. Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary, is reportedly poised for a significant promotion, further cementing her influence at the network.
A Major Primetime Shift
RadarOnline.com has revealed that MSNBC is making bold moves to revamp its programming. Reid, who has held the 7 p.m. slot, is expected to host her final show this week. Wagner, who took over the 9 p.m. hour, is rumored to be shifting into a contributor role, leaving her hosting duties behind.
To fill the gaps, MSNBC is bringing in a new trio of hosts—Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele—to take over the 7 p.m. weekday slot from Tuesday through Friday, with a special expanded two-hour show on Mondays. Meanwhile, the 9 p.m. hour could see Jen Psaki stepping in as the new face of primetime.
New Faces, New Leadership
The changes come as MSNBC appoints Rebecca Kutler as the new network president, signaling a clear intent to redefine the network’s direction. Kutler, known for her progressive leanings, is leading an effort to establish an independent news-gathering system while ensuring MSNBC remains a go-to platform for liberal audiences.
Additionally, MSNBC is in talks to bring in Eugene Daniels from Politico and Melissa Murray from NYU in unspecified roles, hinting at further shifts in the network’s talent pool.
MSNBC Faces a Ratings Crisis
Like many cable networks, MSNBC has been struggling with declining viewership. Reports estimate that the network could lose up to 10.5% of its subscribers by the end of 2025, a concern also plaguing competitors like Fox News and CNN.
One of MSNBC’s biggest attempts at reviving its ratings came with the return of Rachel Maddow to her 9 p.m. slot Monday through Friday, which helped boost viewership, though the network still lags behind Fox News.
Despite these efforts, internal concerns remain about long-term audience engagement. MSNBC producers are reportedly scrambling to find ways to incorporate conservative perspectives in an attempt to broaden its appeal, particularly after Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election.
The Maddow Factor & Network Uncertainty
Rachel Maddow, often referred to as “ratings Viagra”, remains MSNBC’s biggest asset. However, despite her continued presence, she has reportedly taken a massive pay cut, dropping from $30 million to $25 million per year for the next five years.
An industry executive told The Ankler: “This is a difficult time, and they needed to keep her. No one else can do what she does. You can’t build a brand like it overnight.”
With Joy Reid and Alex Wagner out, Jen Psaki potentially moving into a top role, and MSNBC desperately trying to navigate the changing media landscape, the coming months will be crucial for the network’s future.
What’s Next for MSNBC?
Can MSNBC’s new leadership and fresh faces turn the network’s fortunes around? Or will this shake-up lead to even more uncertainty? One thing is clear—MSNBC’s primetime lineup is undergoing one of its biggest transformations yet, and all eyes are watching how it plays out.
