CNN has officially announced the title and premiere date for its upcoming evening and overnight news program, “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson.” The show is set to debut on October 27, 2025, at midnight eastern time, broadcast from the network’s Los Angeles bureau. It will air for two hours, concluding at 2 a.m. eastern time, strategically offering fresh news content when much of cable news is typically rerunning earlier programs.
The appointment of Elex Michaelson, a well-known figure in L.A. news, as the host, was revealed earlier in September. The program is designed to cater to viewers in the east and central time zones while aligning its airtime with 9 p.m. Pacific and 10 p.m. Mountain time. This timing not only enhances CNN’s lineup but also allows it to reach international audiences, as the show will be simulcast on CNN International, coinciding with morning hours in much of Europe and midday to early afternoon in Asia.
Alongside the premiere announcement, CNN unveiled the show’s key art, which suggests a focus on the Los Angeles skyline, particularly the iconic U.S. Bank tower, and showcases a contemporary logo design. The backdrop features a vibrant, colorful pattern inspired by the skyline, adding a visually engaging aspect to the program.
Michaelson’s first guest will be California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is set to join him for a timely discussion ahead of the significant redistricting vote scheduled for November 4, 2025. Other notable guests confirmed for the inaugural week include former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Representative Kevin Kiley, and Senator Adam Schiff.
The program will also host live nightly panels and debates, inviting a diverse range of voices, including prominent attorneys, conservative and progressive political commentators, and journalists. Michaelson emphasized his vision for “The Story Is” as a platform for respectful, inclusive conversations on multifaceted issues of importance to global audiences. The show aims to exceed the standard news discussions with a mix of hope, joy, and humor.
In its inaugural week, “The Story Is” will cover significant events including Donald Trump’s multi-stop visit to Asia and the World Series in Los Angeles. Michaelson will interview singer Josh Groban about the importance of supporting arts education, and will accompany former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he champions a program that trains ex-convicts to build custom cars, providing them with a renewed chance at life.
This new program is poised to make a meaningful impact by combining a variety of topics, from politics to arts, while fostering engaging dialogue among diverse perspectives.