CNN CEO Chris Licht announced that ‘CBS Mornings’ co-anchor Gayle King and ‘NBA on TNT’ analyst Charles Barkley will host a weekly primetime program titled ‘King Charles.’
The hour-long ‘King Charles’ is set to debut on CNN later this year through 2024. King will continue to work for CBS Mornings, and Barkley will keep his duties at Turner Sports. Barkley said he was originally not interested in hosting a show for CNN until King’s name was mentioned. King, similarly, said she wasn’t looking for another job. Said King of the program: “What I think is so great for the both of us is that it is live TV. Whatever happens, happens.”
Licht’s full memo to staff about King Charles read: ‘To my CNN Colleagues, I am thrilled to share that CNN will be home to a new show featuring the extraordinary duo of Gayle King and Charles Barkley, aptly titled ‘King Charles,’ which will air weekly in primetime beginning this fall and running into 2024. This show will be an exciting new way we are delivering culturally relevant programming and unique perspectives to our audience, from two incredibly dynamic personalities. We are excited that they are both able to join us in addition to their current respective roles with Gayle continuing to anchor CBS Mornings. ‘King Charles’ exemplifies the one-team, one-company mentality with Charles playing double duty at CNN and in his role at WBD Sports.’
CNN has been undergoing a programming reset since Licht joined about a year ago, launching a new morning show and revamping the daytime news hours with a more dynamic format. In primetime, CNN has tried a number of formats, from panel discussions to longform interviews.
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