CNN is bringing a new show with a twist that differs from the typical shows the network supports in hopes of pulling in higher ratings.
The network has a brand new weekly one-hour program on its docket, Variety reported. The show is titled, King Charles, and is co-anchored by an unexpected duo: CBS News host Gayle King and NBA legend-turned-sports commentator Charles Barkley.
Variety said that the project is “viewed as a limited-run series that will last at least through the first quarter of next year.” Excited about the new gig, King posted about the news on Instagram.
“YEP it’s true!..Charles Barkley and I are doing a tv show for @CNN called #KingCharles..I’m King, he’s Charles..get it?!” King captioned her post. “I wasn’t looking for another thing to add to my schedule…and neither was Charles but we’re excited about going on this adventure together..So here we are, announcing it on @nbaontnt.. See you Wednesdays this Fall. PS. not leaving @cbsmornings, still my favorite network show!”
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“King Charles is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for CNN’s talent and content development, told Variety. “It’s not a newscast, but rather a talk show centered around the news stories and cultural moments that Gayle and Charles are most interested in.”
Seemingly, the goal of the news and culture series is to draw in both loyal and newer viewers to CNN since its viewership has noticeably dropped, especially following the 2020 election swirl and a change in programming. Although the channel claims its evening audience has increased by 5%, King Charles is part of CNN’s efforts to keep up with the ever-changing ways people consume their news.
When does 'King Charles' premiere on CNN?
King Charles premieres on CNN on Wednesday, November 29, at 10 p.m.
Once it premieres on CNN, King Charles will also be available to stream on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming hub.
“We expect King Charles to be a regular staple on Wednesday evenings, but as with all our programs, we will make space for breaking news as it happens. Entelis said. “King Charles is debuting as a limited run series, and we are open to doing more shows like this in the future.”
