Watch Melissa Harris-Perry

Melissa Harris-Perry was a weekly news and politics television show on MSNBC hosted by American writer and academic Melissa Harris-Perry. The show was noted for its focus on social justice and representation of marginalized voices, particularly those of black women. The program featured a diverse and rotating panel of guests, including academics, politicians, activists, and journalists who offered analysis and commentary on the week's news and events.

One of the standout features of the show was Harris-Perry's willingness to address sensitive and controversial topics such as race, gender, sexuality, and class. She frequently used her platform to shed light on issues that were not being adequately covered in mainstream media and to amplify the voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities.

Each episode typically began with an opening monologue in which Harris-Perry provided context and analysis for the week's top stories. She was known for her passionate and articulate delivery, often weaving together personal anecdotes and academic research to provide a nuanced perspective on the issues at hand.

Following her monologue, Harris-Perry was joined by her panel of guests, who engaged in lively and thoughtful discussions about the news of the week. One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the way in which the guests were encouraged to speak their minds and offer a diversity of opinions. Harris-Perry often played devil's advocate by pushing her guests to defend or challenge their viewpoints, resulting in spirited and illuminating conversations.

In addition to the panel discussions, the show also featured pre-produced segments that delved deeper into specific issues. These segments were often hosted by one of the show's correspondents, such as Raul A. Reyes or Joy-Ann Reid, and covered a wide range of topics. For example, one segment might explore the impact of voting restrictions on minority communities, while another might investigate the role of women in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Throughout its run, Melissa Harris-Perry gained a reputation for its thought-provoking and insightful coverage of the news. The show was frequently praised for its commitment to social justice and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects. It also became known for its inclusive and diverse approach to representation, with guests from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Despite its critical acclaim, however, Melissa Harris-Perry was not without its controversies. In February 2016, Harris-Perry walked off the set of her own show after accusing MSNBC of attempting to censor her and her panelists. The incident came after weeks of tension between Harris-Perry and the network over the scheduling and content of her program. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that the show would not be returning to the air.

Overall, Melissa Harris-Perry was a groundbreaking and influential program that offered a fresh and important perspective on the news. Its commitment to representation and social justice, as well as its thoughtful and nuanced approach to analysis and commentary, helped to expand the boundaries of what was possible for news and politics on television.