In a moment that perfectly blended humor and pointed commentary, Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che took aim at his own network,
NBCUniversal, in light of the recent cancellation of Joy Reid’s primetime show on MSNBC.
During his Weekend Update segment, Che made a joke about the trend of prominent non-white anchors being let go, wondering if he might be next in line for the chop.
Reid, who had hosted The ReidOut since 2020, was one of the few African American primetime anchors on the network.
Her show was canceled amidst an internal shakeup at MSNBC, raising eyebrows over the treatment of non-white talent at the network.
Che’s quip came on the heels of this controversy and tied in with the announcement that Lester Holt, another high-profile African American anchor, would be stepping down from his role as the anchor of NBC Nightly News.
With both of these major departures, Che joked, “Well, NBC, only one more to go, baby!” as a picture of him hosting Weekend Update flashed on screen. His comment underscored the growing concerns within the media world about the representation of people of color on major networks.
The Loss of Non-White Talent at MSNBC
Reid’s firing wasn’t an isolated incident. Alongside her departure, MSNBC also demoted several other non-white anchors from their primetime slots. Jonathan Capehart, Katie Phang, and Ayman Mohyeldin—three prominent non-white voices on the network—saw their evening shows canceled, though they are expected to remain with the network in less prominent timeslots. This shift has raised uncomfortable questions about MSNBC’s commitment to diversity in its lineup.
The timing of these decisions, coupled with Holt’s resignation, has ignited a firestorm of debate about the treatment of non-white talent in the news industry. Critics argue that these moves represent a troubling pattern and call into question whether MSNBC’s leadership is truly committed to the diversity it claims to support. Some view these changes as a response to internal pressure to present a more “subtle” liberal narrative, particularly as the network navigates the complex dynamics of the second Trump administration. According to Status News, Reid’s progressive and anti-Trump rhetoric had become a source of concern for MSNBC bosses, who reportedly wanted to steer the network in a direction that was more nuanced in its political commentary.
Maddow’s Criticism and Growing Discontent
The cancelation of The ReidOut and the demotions of other non-white anchors have sparked backlash not only from the public but also from within MSNBC. Rachel Maddow, one of the network’s most well-known figures, expressed her frustration and disappointment over Reid’s firing. Maddow described Reid as a valued colleague and described the decision as a “bad mistake.” She further criticized the firing of other non-white hosts in primetime, calling the move “indefensible.”
Maddow also expressed deep admiration for Reid, saying that she had “learned so much from her” and loved “everything about her.” She added, “I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC,” reflecting the personal and professional impact Reid had on her and many others at the network.
However, Maddow’s comments have not been without criticism. Some have accused her of hypocrisy, given her substantial salary and the fact that she only hosts her show once a week. Critics argue that if Maddow is truly upset about these firings, she should consider resigning in solidarity with the affected hosts, given her position of influence and her high pay.
Che’s Bold Commentary Amidst a Broader Controversy
Che’s remark about being the next to be let go served as a sharp reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding race and representation in mainstream media. As one of the few non-white hosts at NBC, Che’s comment underscored how personal the situation has become for many in the industry. His joke wasn’t just about the politics of the media world—it was also a reflection of the broader concerns within the entertainment and news industries about the treatment of people of color.
As these tensions continue to unfold, the future of non-white anchors at NBC and MSNBC remains uncertain. With the firing of Reid, the resignation of Holt, and the demotions of other key talent, NBCUniversal faces mounting scrutiny. Many are left wondering whether these decisions reflect a more systemic issue within the company’s leadership and whether the network will take steps to address the concerns raised by its diverse talent.
In the meantime, Che’s playful comment during Weekend Update provided a moment of levity, but it also highlighted the deeper questions about race, power, and representation in the media. As the dust settles on these recent changes, it remains to be seen how NBCUniversal will navigate this crisis and whether they will make meaningful changes to their approach to diversity in the future.
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