Joy Reid's Final MSNBC Show Was a Masterclass in Leftist Insanity

“We begin tonight with what I think is the question; when you are in the midst of a crisis and specifically a crisis of democracy: How do you resist– when fascism isn’t just coming, It’s already here?” That was how Joy Reid signed off from her MSNBC show, ReidOut, framing her departure as part of a broader political struggle. But was her exit really about politics, or was it a reflection of MSNBC’s shrinking influence?

Key Facts:

Joy Reid’s show ReidOut aired its final episode on MSNBC on Monday.
Reid claimed that “fascism” is already present in the U.S. and urged viewers to “resist.”
She expressed frustration over her show’s cancellation but stood by her political positions.
MSNBC is undergoing a major reshuffling, replacing ReidOut with a new show featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.
Other MSNBC hosts, including Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart, have also lost their shows but remain with the network.

The Rest of The Story:

Joy Reid ended her MSNBC tenure with an impassioned speech, warning her audience that fascism has already taken hold in America.

She called on viewers to “fight back” and “never stop resisting.”

Her final show featured appearances from MSNBC figures Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, and Lawrence O’Donnell, who praised her work.

Beyond the on-air farewell, Reid addressed a Zoom audience the night before, expressing anger and disappointment over her show’s cancellation.

However, she insisted she was proud of her work covering topics like Black Lives Matter, immigration, and the 1619 Project.

MSNBC’s programming changes extend beyond Reid.

Several other shows have been canceled, and the network is bringing in new voices, including Politico’s Eugene Daniels and NYU law professor Melissa Murray.

The open to Joy Reid's final MSNBC show: "When you are in the midst of a crisis and specifically a crisis of democracy, how do you resist – when fascism isn't just coming, It's already here?" pic.twitter.com/hbd1XK9kTi

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 25, 2025

Commentary:

Joy Reid’s claim that Trump’s potential reelection signals fascism is a perfect example of why she lost her show.

Instead of offering fact-based critiques of policies she opposes, she resorts to dramatic, unsubstantiated claims that appeal only to MSNBC’s most radical viewers.

It’s an approach that may generate viral clips but does little to inform or persuade.

MSNBC, once a powerhouse among left-leaning viewers, has become a niche network catering to an increasingly small audience.

The fact that the network is replacing Reid with a panel of lesser-known figures suggests it is experimenting, unsure of what will work in a shifting media landscape.

Reid’s rhetoric reflects a broader trend among progressives—when they fail to win debates, they simply label their opponents as extremists.

If MSNBC were thriving, perhaps they could afford such content.

Joy Reid has a final message for America before leaving her MSNBC show.

"America is saying no to @ElonMusk running us."

She also argues there is no "waste, fraud, and abuse" in the U.S. government.

So long, Joy. America won't miss your fake news show. pic.twitter.com/yOl8bKQBXD

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) February 25, 2025

But as ratings continue to stagnate, the network’s leadership seems to recognize that change is necessary.

The broader shake-up at MSNBC, including the reduction of Rachel Maddow’s presence and the reassignment of multiple hosts, suggests that even the network itself understands that its current approach isn’t sustainable.

The American audience isn’t buying what MSNBC is selling, and as a result, they’re making adjustments.