One of CNN’s most prominent LGBTQ+ anchors is leaving his evening slot to co-host a new morning show.On Thursday, the network announced that Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow, and Kaitlan Collins would be the new faces of a redesigned and yet unnamed new morning show.The morning show will take on a new format, name, and set.
CNN currently airs New Day from 6 to 9 a.m. The new show is expected to air before the midterm elections in mid-October. CNN Worldwide Chairman and CEO Chris Licht said “There is no stronger combination of talent than Don, Poppy, and Kaitlan to deliver on our promise of a game-changing morning news program.
They are each uniquely intelligent, reliable, and compelling; together they have a rare and palpable chemistry. Combined with CNN’s resources and global newsgathering capabilities, we will offer a smart, bold, and refreshing way to start the day.”Licht is the second consecutive morning television personality to lead CNN, and morning programming will be his first big challenge, as it was for his predecessor, Jeff Zucker.“The last eight years have been an incredible ride.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with one of the best show teams in the business, but it’s time to shake things up. I am so appreciative of the Don Lemon Tonight team, my wonderful, loyal viewers, and everyone who has believed in me,” said Lemon, who has been with CNN since 2006.