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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

CNN Gears Up For A New Chris Wallace Show


CNN’s Chris Wallace has reportedly landed a new show — weeks after the implosion of the company’s doomed streaming service CNN+.

The NY Post reports the veteran news anchor will host a primetime show as part of CNN’s Sunday night lineup beginning this fall, the network announced on Wednesday at Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfront presentation.

Aside from its weekly spot in CNN’s primetime lineup, Wallace’s show will also air on the HBO Max streaming service. The interview-centric program will retain the same name — “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” — that it used on CNN+ prior to its collapse.

“’Who’s Talking?’ is a rare show built for streaming that gives newsmakers the opportunity to have candid conversations and an open dialogue about the issues of the day and whatever is on their minds,” Wallace said in a statement. “I’ve never had more fun developing a program and am looking forward to bringing it to both HBO Max and CNN audiences.”

“Part of the CNN brand is respectful, authentic and impactful interviews and one of the best interviewers in the business is Chris Wallace,” CNN Worldwide CEO Chris Licht added in a statement. “Chris and his team developed an engaging and compelling program that we’re excited to bring to HBO Max and include in our CNN Sunday evening programming.”

After a nearly two-decade stint at Fox News, Wallace signed with CNN in December to serve as one of the headlining stars of the network’s much-hyped streaming service. CNN+ debuted earlier this year to great internal fanfare, but ceased operations after roughly one month of programming following dismal results. 

As The Post previously reported, some insiders felt CNN had “overspent on talent” on CNN+ — including Wallace’s $9 million-per-year deal.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery executives, including CEO David Zaslav, have indicated they plan to refocus CNN on straightforward journalism rather than opinion programming.

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