CNN Tests Chris Cuomo in Primetime 11


Image via @IceManNYR on Twitter

Image via @IceManNYR on Twitter

Viewers tuning into CNN during 9 PM ET Monday night found a different face on their screens. Chris Cuomo, the anchor of CNN’s morning show New Day, hosted the primetime hour with a branded show, Cuomo Primetime. The show has not been announced as a permanent addition, but CNN ran promos for the show with the name and it appears on CNN’s schedule online. Guide data indicates that the show will air through Thursday of this week.

A CNN spokesperson did not respond to a request for information.

A Twitter user asked Cuomo if the show was permanent and he replied, “[S]ubbing for week. All anchors help out when asked. Team!”

However Cuomo Primetime seems to be more than a simple substitution job. John Berman has been subbing for Anderson Cooper for Anderson Cooper 360 (including Monday night) and that show regularly goes for a second hour in the 9 PM timeslot based off the news cycle. It seems unusual that Berman would not have just been asked to do the second hour if it was a simple matter of substitution.

Furthermore, there is the element of the production values. If Cuomo was merely substituting as he alleges, then it makes little sense that CNN would come up with a show title, logo, and intro. Cuomo also uses CNN’s Studio 71, the same studio he uses in the morning for New Day. The set uses blue ambiance lighting and features city skyline imagery.

CNN’s 9 PM timeslot has been a question mark under head honcho Jeff Zucker. When Piers Morgan Live was cancelled, CNN personalities like Michael Smerconish and Jake Tapper had weeklong try-outs for the slot. Eventually Zucker announced that the time slot would be filled with CNN’s taped programming with news filling the hour as breaking news warranted. With the chaotic news cycle, CNN has regularly extended Anderson Cooper 360 to a second hour. The Cuomo move shows they make be considering a more permanent news option at 9.


About Tyler

Tyler is the chief media reporter for TKNN, with the news organization since its founding in November of 2010. He has previously served as chief political reporter and chief political anchor for TKNN.

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11 thoughts on “CNN Tests Chris Cuomo in Primetime

  • R. Ann Jones

    I sincerely hope that Chris Cuomo is given a show in prime time. And still on New Day. With his legal background, he knows how to query guests. And he controls his show. However, I watch for information, NOT lies, so please make that Kellyanne Conway few and far in between. I don’t like lies. It is insulting.

  • Wanda

    Sorry Chris Cuomo Prime was not on this week. I really enjoyed his show last week and was hoping it would continue. He is very knowledgeable and knows how to handle his guest who just won’t quit talking and interrupting.

    • Curtis King

      I agree with all comments. That hour goes against 9pm.slot against MSNBC the Rachel Maddow show. If anyone can beat her it’s Chris. He’s no nonsense straight SHOOTER.IM A HUGE FAN!! LISTEN UP CNN.

  • Barbara Adams

    I need AC 360 8-l0pm. He’s very rushed in 1 hr format and feel like I’m missing news. Only thing didn’t like about show was when he had big panels & he was left standing for long periods. When a hot discussion when panels running themselves AC looked on seeming happy how it was going. Made me feel good too. AC has the 2 Davids + Berstein – perfect for current situation!!! BRING BACK AC 360 FOR 2nd hr. Yes, as he says, has 3 jobs, just makes him more interesting. Really with his history, education & experience, he his more interesting and comes thru in broadcast.

  • Terry Smiley

    Why do you ask questions to your guests and then always interrupt them? This gets old! We as viewers can’t understand a word you’re saying!