'CBS Mornings' host Gayle King and Charles Barkley's CNN talk show 'King Charles' not canceled despite rumors

'King Charles' intends to keep it versatile and not stick to a specific format, taking on anything and everything that the hosts may find interesting
PUBLISHED AUG 15, 2023
'CBS Mornings' host Gayle King and Charles Barkley announced a new talk show project early this year (Mike Coppola/Rich Fury/Getty Images)
'CBS Mornings' host Gayle King and Charles Barkley announced a new talk show project early this year (Mike Coppola/Rich Fury/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  The TV and film industry in Hollywood is currently getting upturned on its head every now and then. Not all is to be blamed on the double ongoing strikes that have seriously affected the future of the industry. 

The executives have been struggling to keep up with the pace of trends and several networks have seen major structural changes in their positions of power. CNN had to recently let go of their former CEO Chris Licht, which led to even more unexpected modifications across the network.

Fortunately for Gayle King and Charles Barkley, the collaboration talk show of the 'CBS Mornings' host and former basketball player is safe from any unforeseen issues. 

What is 'King Charles'?


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gayle King (@gayleking)


 

In April of 2023, it was announced that the CBS host King and Barkley would join hands to do a new primetime show for CNN. The two personalities had also revealed what they had intended for the show which was cleverly named after each of their names. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gayle King (@gayleking)


 

While it will take the form of the usual talk show reporting and discussing everything going on in the now, Barkley emphasized that he wants "the show to be nonpolitical" in an interview with CNN

King added her own words about the show, saying, "I think that decorum and courtesy and kindness always work. But everybody I know has an opinion on something. We just need to figure out a way to have a good conversation without tearing each other down. And I think we can do that.”

'King Charles' intends to keep it versatile and not stick to a specific format, taking on anything and everything that the two hosts might find interesting. 

Basketball player Charles Barkley speaks onstage as Fall Out Boy takes the stage at American Express All-Star Live at Hammerstein Ballroom broadcast live on TNT to tip-off NBA All-Star 2015 on February 12, 2015 in New York City.
Charles Barkley calls Gayle King 'awesome' as both are set for a new talk show (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for American Express)

CNN to follow the same schedule for 'King Charles'

A lot was chalked up to uncertainties relating to Licht's departure which caused many projects to be closed or left unopened.

Alongside King and Barkley, Licht was the brains behind the primetime talk show. But unlike the other projects which the former CEO was overlooking, 'King Charles' survived the transition the network is currently making. 

Charles Barkley looks on prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Charles Barkley insisted on continuing with the talk show even after many advised him against it (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Barkley had previously revealed that many were shocked to find him joining a sinking ship like this talk show on a network like CNN which is not exactly a great way to kick off a career in news hosting.

But it was Barkley's insistence that kept it alive. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, adding, "Gayle is awesome."

'King Charles' is set to air every Wednesday night at 9 pm. 

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