MSNBC is bringing in former Biden administration officials as part of a major programming shake-up at the liberal-leaning network.
Jen Psaki, Biden’s former White House press secretary, and Symone Sanders-Townsend, a former senior adviser and spokesperson for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, are set to take on prime-time roles. Sanders-Townsend will be one of three hosts filling the 7 p.m. ET slot following the cancellation of Joy Reid’s show.
The network appears to be capitalizing on a surge in ratings since President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20. After a steep decline following Trump’s election victory in November, MSNBC saw a strong rebound, averaging 1.3 million prime-time viewers between January 20 and 24—a 61 percent increase from the previous three weeks, according to Nielsen data.
Psaki, who hosted MSNBC’s highest-rated weekend show, Inside With Jen Psaki, is reportedly set to anchor a new program at 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Rachel Maddow, who has held that slot since Trump’s return, will shift to hosting one night a week starting in late April, according to The New York Times.
Joy Reid’s program, The ReidOut, which has been a staple of MSNBC’s evening lineup since 2020 and was known for its sharp criticism of Trump and Republicans, will be replaced by a new show co-hosted by Sanders-Townsend, former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, and MSNBC anchor Alicia Menendez. The trio currently host The Weekend, which airs Saturday and Sunday mornings.
In a statement obtained by The Associated Press, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said: “Joy Reid is leaving the network and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years.”
And on Monday, Joy Reid posted on Bluesky thanking everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets. So very proud of The Reidout @joy.msnbc.com team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends. See you tomorrow night at 7, one more time.”
