CNN Looking To Reality TV and Late-Night Talk Shows. Oh Joy.
Understandably, all TV networks have to adapt to keep pace with a changing landscape. Just a few short years ago, we relied on The History Channel for educational programming rather than extra-terrestrial conspiracy theorists and original series, and now it seems that the notoriously stagnant CNN is looking to shake up its image in the coming years as well. Just what do they have in mind, and who might be the new face of the network?
Nobody panic, but CNN may look very different in just a few years time. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the long-stagnant network has begun a shift toward some of TV’s more popular formats, including reality TV, and even late-night talk shows for its personalities. The announcement arrives just weeks after CNN’s primetime ratings fell to a 20-year low.
According to the report (originally from the New York Post), network executives have been entertaining various concepts for reality shows, in addition to pooling new talent in an effort to work a nightly lineup that also includes anchors Piers Morgan and Anderson Cooper. Supposedly, they’re also talking to producers who’ve worked on reality series for the likes of Bravo, The History Channel and The Discovery Channel.
Last May CNN announced a deal with Travel Channel chef Anthony Bourdain for his own weekend program in early 2013, as well as contributing to other CNN broadcasts. Purportedly, the network is also eying an 11:00 p.m. late-night talk show similar to ‘The View,’ and five weekend reality series to feature alongside Bourdain’s Sunday-night show.
What say you? Do you think CNN will ever be the same again, or are we soon to endure ‘The Real Housewives of Nightly News?’ Give us your best pitch for new CNN programs in the comments below!