In a dramatic turn of events that has taken the media world by storm, Joy-Ann Reid, once deemed too “dangerous” and controversial by executives at MSNBC, has risen from the ashes of her firing to become one of the most influential and talked-about figures in independent journalism. After her abrupt departure from MSNBC in February 2025, where she hosted *The ReidOut*, Reid has not only defied efforts to silence her but has also built a formidable media empire, amassing over 160,000 subscribers to her Substack newsletter, *Joy’s House*, and launching a bold new venture, *The Joy Reid Show*. Her unapologetic voice, rooted in cultural fluency, progressive politics, and sharp critique, has resonated with a growing audience, leaving traditional media outlets reeling as they struggle to adapt to the shifting landscape of digital journalism.

Reid’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. As the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show on MSNBC, she made history in 2020 with *The ReidOut*, filling the coveted 7 p.m. slot previously held by Chris Matthews’ *Hardball*. Her tenure at MSNBC was marked by fiery political commentary, incisive interviews, and a willingness to tackle complex issues of race, justice, and culture in ways that were both accessible and unfiltered. Reid’s ability to break down intricate topics earned her praise from outlets like *The Hollywood Reporter*, which in 2016 lauded her for making complex issues “digestible and accessible.” Yet, her outspokenness, particularly on issues like Palestine and her critiques of President Donald Trump, often put her at odds with network executives. Posts on X and various reports suggest that MSNBC attempted to rein in her online presence, with one user claiming, “The bosses were horrified,” highlighting the tension between Reid’s authenticity and the network’s desire for control.

The cancellation of *The ReidOut* came as a shock to many, especially given the timing. Contrary to narratives pushed by some, such as Piers Morgan, who attributed her firing to declining ratings, data obtained by *The Daily Beast* revealed that Reid’s viewership was on an upward trajectory in the months leading up to her departure. In August 2024, *The ReidOut* neared an average of 2 million viewers, outpacing her MSNBC colleagues Ari Melber and Chris Hayes. Even in the coveted 25-54 demographic, Reid outperformed CNN’s Erin Burnett, capturing 158,000 viewers compared to Burnett’s 151,000. Despite these numbers, MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, orchestrated a sweeping overhaul, replacing Reid’s show with a panel program hosted by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. The move sparked outrage, with prominent figures like Rachel Maddow calling it a “bad mistake” and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms lamenting the loss of Reid’s unique perspective as “the only African American woman with her own show on MSNBC.”

Speculation swirled about the reasons behind Reid’s exit. Some, including civil rights lawyer Ben Crump and *The Nation*’s Elie Mystal, pointed to racial bias, noting that several non-white anchors, including Alex Wagner and Ayman Mohyldin, also lost their shows in the shakeup. Others, like *Current Affairs*, suggested that Reid’s willingness to criticize Israel and the Democratic Party’s establishment played a role, particularly her comments on Gaza and her hosting of pro-Palestinian voices like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Noura Erakat. Reid herself hinted at external pressures, telling *Essence* that speaking the truth came with risks but was worth it. Her refusal to be silenced, even in the face of corporate pushback, has only fueled her resurgence.

Undeterred, Reid pivoted to independent media with astonishing speed. In June 2025, she launched *The Joy Reid Show*, a three-times-weekly podcast and YouTube series produced by her company, Image Lab Media Group, co-founded with her husband, Jason Reid. The show blends political analysis, cultural commentary, and interactive segments like “Freestyle Fridays,” where Reid engages directly with viewers and her 160,000-plus Substack subscribers. Featuring guests like Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, comedian Amber Ruffin, and former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, the show has quickly gained traction, offering a platform for voices often sidelined by mainstream media. Reid’s Substack, *Joy’s House*, has become a hub for her thoughts, recommendations, and unfiltered takes, further solidifying her connection with her audience. Plans are already in place to expand *The Joy Reid Show* to five days a week, with additional documentaries in development, signaling her ambition to build a multifaceted media empire.

The media world is reeling not only because of Reid’s success but also because her move reflects a broader trend. Alongside former cable news anchors like Don Lemon, Mehdi Hasan, and Dan Rather, Reid is part of a growing wave of journalists turning to platforms like Substack and YouTube to bypass traditional gatekeepers. As she told *The Hollywood Reporter*, “People want trusted voices, and not just on cable news. I mean, cable is expensive.” Her ability to cultivate a loyal following—evidenced by her 160,000 subscribers—underscores the power of independent media to challenge the dominance of legacy networks. Critics like Piers Morgan may dismiss her as “playing the race card,” but Reid’s supporters see her as a trailblazer who refuses to compromise her principles.

Reid’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. From her Ivy League education at Harvard, made possible by affirmative action, to her early days at WSVN in Florida and her rise through MSNBC, she has consistently broken barriers. Her past controversies, including homophobic blog posts from 2007 that she claimed were not reflective of her views, have not defined her. Instead, she has grown, as MSNBC noted in 2018, into a trusted colleague whose evolution is evident in her work. Her new venture is a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. As she told *Essence*, this is a new era for her, one where she can be her authentic self on her own terms.

The implications of Reid’s success extend beyond her personal triumph. Her ability to amass a following of 160,000 subscribers and counting challenges the narrative that outspoken, progressive voices—particularly those of Black women—cannot command a broad audience. As legacy media outlets like MSNBC and CNN grapple with declining viewership (MSNBC’s primetime audience dropped to 734,000 in January 2025), Reid’s empire is a wake-up call. The media world is shifting, and figures like Reid are leading the charge, proving that authenticity, courage, and a direct connection with audiences can outshine the constraints of corporate media. As she continues to build her platform, Joy-Ann Reid is not just defying MSNBC—she’s redefining what it means to be a media powerhouse in 2025.