In a move that feels more like a strategic chess match than morning television, several high-profile media figures long associated with progressive networks are quietly resurfacing—or rather, being repositioned. From Joy-Ann Reid’s rise despite past silencing attempts, to Stephen Colbert’s reenergized late-night platform, all signs point to a coordinated reset. And now, the question looms: Who’s next at The View?

What started as a string of disconnected comebacks is beginning to look like a methodical consolidation of influence—some say even a soft return of narrative gatekeepers. Insiders have begun referring to these individuals as the “check pieces,” drawing a parallel to strategic game play in chess: not quite the king or queen, but still holding critical power to dictate the flow of the match.

Joy Reid: The First to Re-emerge

Joy-Ann Reid, once under fire and nearly edged out of MSNBC’s primetime lineup, is now seeing a steady rise in viewership and digital influence. With over 160,000 subscribers and an increasingly loyal online base, she has become a mouthpiece not just for progressive politics but for controlled and calculated messaging. Her evolution from threatened host to unshakeable pillar suggests a longer game has been at play.

Some speculate that her temporary suppression wasn’t the end—it was a repositioning. “It’s like she was taken off the board momentarily, just to return in a more fortified position,” says a former MSNBC producer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Stephen Colbert: Reclaiming Late Night, Quietly

Stephen Colbert, known for mixing satire with sharp political commentary, is another piece sliding back into place. After a few years of diminished relevance compared to his peak during the Trump era, Colbert has subtly realigned his platform. Recent episodes have featured deeper dives into political themes with noticeably more targeted messaging, sparking whispers that he’s been selected to reframe the conversation ahead of election season.

According to industry insiders, Colbert’s shift is no coincidence. “He’s not just entertaining anymore. He’s steering the narrative,” one CBS insider commented.

The View: The Next Battlefield?

With these moves setting the tone, all eyes are now on The View. Rumors are swirling about a new casting shake-up that could bring back a familiar yet controversial face—or perhaps introduce a new, carefully curated figure to maintain ideological balance… or reinforce it.

Speculation ranges from the possible return of Meghan McCain (unlikely but whispered) to a more strategic hire—someone with mainstream appeal who could help recalibrate the show’s growing identity crisis. Insiders claim producers are under “soft pressure” to stabilize the show as part of a bigger alignment campaign.

Who could the next “check piece” be?

“Watch for someone who’s been gone a while, or someone who’s been underestimated. It won’t be loud. It’ll be surgical,” said one ABC staffer.

A Pattern or a Plan?

The gradual resurfacing of these personalities raises more questions than answers. Are they simply finding their moment again, or is a broader strategy being executed to steer public discourse more precisely ahead of 2026 and 2028?

A former network consultant suggested, “This isn’t random. This is quiet influence-building. Some of these figures were never fully ousted—they were just moved. They’re not pawns. They’re check pieces.”

Final Thoughts

As these media personalities return to their positions—stronger, more calculated, and curiously in sync—one has to wonder: What kind of message are they preparing the audience for? And if the board is being reset, who’s moving the pieces?

Only time will tell who the next media figure to return will be… but The View may give us the next clue.

So, the question stands: WHO DO YOU THINK IS NEXT?