Don Lemon, the often controversial and no-holds-barred journalist and news anchor, announced during last Friday’s episode of CNN Tonight With Don Lemon that the show will soon be over. After hosting the primetime news spot since 2014, Lemon claims that he’s ditching the series in favor of a new show on the network, Don Lemon Tonight.
During Friday’s broadcast, the Louisiana-born journalist stated, “So earlier I told you I have an announcement. And I do. It’s been really, really great.” He then revealed, “This is the last night that will be CNN Tonight With Don Lemon.”
Speaking directly to his fans and supporters, he added “So, I appreciate all of the years of CNN Tonight With Don Lemon, but changes are coming and I will fill you in.”
I was just sitting here, eating my dinner, and watching @CNN — did @donlemon just quit? What’s going on? (Pun intended) #breakingnews #donlemon pic.twitter.com/pRGuF9W2Jp
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) May 15, 2021
Many social media users and fans assumed he was done with CNN altogether and leaving the network behind for new ventures. Lemon later announced via his own social media that he was still working with CNN to bring another news show to the air.
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“So I got back down to my office after the show…everybody calm down. I didn’t say I saw leaving CNN,” he said in the uploaded video. “I just said it was the end of an era for CNN Tonight With Don Lemon. I’m not leaving CNN, so you will have to tune in Monday at 10 o’clock to see. That’s it, so relax.”
Hey everyone. Not what you think. I’m not leaving CNN. Tune in for the handoff on Monday at 10pE and I’ll explain. pic.twitter.com/oOwDferY2i
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) May 15, 2021
According to Variety, following Lemon’s hosting of CNN Tonight since early 2014, the show is set to be replaced with Don Lemon Tonight, allowing him to focus more on his own personality and reporting style than adhering to traditional broadcast journalism. The new show will take over his previous timeslot.
Earlier this year, his CNN Tonight show received a huge boost in ratings, leading CNN to consider what Lemon could bring to the network through his wit and attention-grabbing dialogue.
Are you ready for Lemon’s new show, or are you completely over the news host? Let us know in the comments!
