CNN may have new leadership, but the network is still a train wreck.
Chris Cuomo, their last permanent host in the 9 PM slot, was fired in December 2021 but the network is still struggling to find someone to replace him.
They have a rotating roster of hosts in the slot and nothing has worked. No one sticks or comes close to cable news competitors like Sean Hannity on FOX or Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, who aren’t even permanent hosts anymore.
Various reports:
CNN bets news, not big names, captures people at 9 p.m
CNN hopes it will finally affect the way it solves the long-running puzzle: What should it air at 9 p.m.? The solution requires a network to match many pieces together.
Starting this week, the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet will fill the hour with a variety of special reports under the umbrella of “CNN Primetime.” Future 9 o’clock hours may include one-on-one interviews with newsmakers; town halls that put government officials in direct contact with people affected by policy decisions; and other programs featuring surprising “gets” and scoops.
The programming gambit moves away from the tried-and-true practice of relying on a single anchor or opinionated host in a time slot, the home of Sean Hannity, Alex Wagner and Rachel Maddow, and banks instead on creative ways to analyze the news cycle.
CNN announced earlier Monday that anchor Laura Coates will examine the highly scrutinized Murdaugh double murder on Wednesdays at 9 p.m., featuring defense and prosecution analysts and criminal trial veterans. On Thursday, anchor Sarah Sidner will host a “CNN Primetime Event” in which White House correspondent Arlette Saenz will discuss the first lady’s visit to Africa, Dr. Interviews Jill Biden. The first lady is expected to address criticism of President Biden’s ageism in his potential quest for re-election.
Meanwhile, Jake Tapper is expected to interview comedian Bill Maher, who hosts “Real Time” for CNN corporate sibling HBO, on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
One advantage of the current “CNN Primetime” format is that it leaves things open to more tinkering. CNN may offer other new concepts at 9pm in the coming weeks. Another idea under consideration is special primetime editions of regular programs on the schedule, which would include anchors of those programs with big scoops or interviews, according to a person familiar with the subject.
Interviews with Jill Biden and Bill Maher? What does CNN think will save them?
Who wants to give them bad news?