- CNN is launching “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,” a new two-hour news program from its Los Angeles bureau.
- The show debuts on October 27, 2025, at midnight ET, strategically targeting West Coast primetime viewers when other networks are in repeats.
- The premiere week is packed with high-profile guests, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Senator Adam Schiff.
- Beyond politics, the program will cover a diverse range of topics, including sports, technology, and entertainment, and will be simulcast on CNN International.
CNN Unveils New LA-Based Show to Shake Up Programming
CNN is making a significant move to capture a new audience by launching “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,” a new evening and overnight news program based in Los Angeles. The show is set to premiere on October 27, 2025, signaling a strategic shift to provide live content during a time slot dominated by reruns on competing networks.
A Fresh Perspective for a National Audience
Airing for two hours from midnight to 2 a.m. Eastern Time, the program is perfectly positioned to serve as a primetime show for viewers on the West Coast, starting at 9 p.m. Pacific. By broadcasting live from its L.A. bureau, CNN aims to deliver fresh, relevant content to an underserved nighttime audience. The show will also be simulcast on CNN International, reaching morning audiences in Europe and midday viewers in Asia.
The show’s branding pays homage to its location, with key art featuring a dramatic nighttime view of the Los Angeles skyline. The name itself, “The Story Is,” has raised eyebrows due to its similarity to Fox News’ “The Story with Martha MacCallum,” suggesting a competitive new entry in the cable news landscape.
A Star-Studded and Diverse Premiere Week
“The Story Is” will hit the ground running with an impressive lineup of guests. California Governor Gavin Newsom is slated to be the first guest, joining Michaelson for a timely discussion ahead of the state’s pivotal redistricting vote. The launch week will also feature interviews with former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff.
The program promises to feature robust nightly panels with a wide range of voices, including attorneys Gloria Allred and Areva Martin, conservative commentators Larry Elder and Jennifer Horn, and journalists from Puck and Politico.
Beyond the Beltway
Host Elex Michaelson emphasized that the show will offer more than just political debate. “By going beyond the predictable talking points, The Story Is will become a surefire source for news that breaks through, often with hope, joy and humor,” Michaelson said in a statement.
During its debut week, the show will provide live coverage of Donald Trump’s visit to Asia and the World Series in Los Angeles. Additionally, Michaelson will sit down with singer Josh Groban to discuss arts education and feature a segment with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on a program that helps ex-convicts build custom cars. This diverse content strategy aims to cover the biggest stories in sports, health, technology, and entertainment.
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