Don Lemon ending 'Tonight' for CNN's new morning show with Poppy Harlow, Kaitlan Collins
Don Lemon will have to set an earlier alarm.
CNN announced Sept. 15 that the host of its evening program "Don Lemon Tonight" will lead the network's revamped morning program, to be co-anchored with "CNN Newsroom" host Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, the network's chief White House correspondent.
The retooling marks a major initiative from Chris Licht, CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO since May. Licht, formerly an executive producer for "CBS This Morning" and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," said in a statement that the program, premiering later this year and replacing "New Day," "will offer a smart, bold and refreshing way to start the day.”
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“The last eight years have been an incredible ride. I’ve had the opportunity to work with one of the best show teams in the business, but it’s time to shake things up,” Lemon, 56, said in a statement. “I was honestly floored when Chris Licht asked me to do this and I’m honored by his belief in me. It’s going to be a thrill to take on this challenge with Poppy and Kaitlan.”
Harlow, 40, indicated in a statement that the new program would offer moments of levity. “I can’t wait to laugh with (Lemon and Collins) and learn from them each morning."
Collins, 30, expressed her gratitude for her new hosting gig, which includes the role of chief correspondent. “To go from sharing my reporting on (her co-anchors') shows to sitting at the desk alongside them is an incredible opportunity and I’m deeply humbled by it."
Harlow will anchor the 9 to 11 a.m. EDT newscast until Oct. 7, when Lemon's last primetime program is scheduled to air, as both prepare for their new morning show.
An interim lineup from Oct. 10 through the November midterm elections has John Berman and Brianna Keilar hosting Jake Tapper's "The Lead" at 4 EDT, while "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" expands to two hours, from 5 to 7 p.m. Jake Tapper will host the 9 p.m. hour that was the longtime slot for Chris Cuomo, and Alisyn Camerota and Laura Coates will temporarily host from 10 p.m. to midnight.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CNN's new morning show teams Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow, Kaitlan Collins