CNN anchor Don Lemon broke the internet on Friday after closing his show with a vague statement that appeared to suggest that he's leaving the network.
"It's been really, really great. This is the last night that will be CNN Tonight With Don Lemon. So, I appreciate all the years of CNN Tonight With Don Lemon, but changes are coming, and I will fill you in," he stated.
After the internet freaked out, the veteran journalist went to Twitter to urge his viewers to calm down.
“Hey everyone. Not what you think. I’m not leaving CNN. Tune in for the Handoff on Monday at 10pE and I’ll explain,” Lemon wrote.
Hey everyone. Not what you think. I’m not leaving CNN. Tune in for the handoff on Monday at 10pE and I’ll explain. pic.twitter.com/oOwDferY2i
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) May 15, 2021
As it turned out, the veteran journalist was only talking about a name change to the show.
"Didn’t mean to set the internet on fire," he said. "What I said last night was true. CNN Tonight with Don Lemon is no more. I’ll be back on Monday with my newly named show Don Lemon Tonight. See you Monday at 10pE."
Didn’t mean to set the internet on fire. What I said last night was true. CNN Tonight with Don Lemon is no more. I’ll be back on Monday with my newly named show Don Lemon Tonight. See you Monday at 10pE. pic.twitter.com/89GFXULV9m
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) May 15, 2021
Many viewers appear to be relieved after hearing the clarification.
Don, if CNN cancels your show I will not be watching them anymore.
— TT (@Mai45387) May 15, 2021
The anchor received love from around the world after clarifying that he's not going anywhere.
Thank goodness. Watch it here in Scotland and love the way he connects with people (last interview I saw was with the police officer that wa attacked at the insurrection, so emotional watching the video that night) and making others to take accountability for their actions.
— Lisa (@mcdlisa74) May 15, 2021
Some couldn't imagine their life without their beloved news program and its host.
I was literally panicking. I can’t imagine weeknights when everything is crazy and nothing makes sense without @donlemon to get me through it ???? congrats on the new show.
— Amanda Catherine (@AmandeeTweets) May 15, 2021
But there were also some who blamed Lemon for making the announcement unnecessarily dramatic.
You are seriously annoying me…. I couldn't get to sleep last night, thinking you were fired
So, basically, I'm guessing you wanted to get a reaction….whether people loved your show enough to make a fuss…
Don't lose your interaction with Chris, it makes my day
See you Monday— AmStillMoniquePutOnADamnMask???????? (@BastaracheNicki) May 15, 2021
The slightly altered title seemed pointless for some viewers.
And he could’ve been more creative with the name change. Rearranging words ain’t it for all the fake hype.
— Orange Hitler & GOP are Guilty ???????????????????? (@inch2high) May 16, 2021
The show, originally named CNN Tonight, launched in 2014, according to the network. A group of rotating hosts originally led the program. But Lemon then took over permanently.
According to The New York Post, the 55-year-old has worked at CNN since 2006. His current show runs for two hours from 10 p.m to midnight on weekdays.
Lemon is also launching a podcast with fellow CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, USA TODAY reported. The duo will "talk politics and get personal" as they come together every week to host The Handoff, CNN announced.
