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CNN Cancels King Charles Show Linked to Meghan Markle Drama
The highly anticipated CNN weekly primetime talk show, King Charles, co-hosted by the outspoken Charles Barkley and the esteemed Gayle King from CBS Morningstar, has come to an abrupt end after a lackluster six-month run that failed to captivate audiences.
Airing on Wednesday nights at 10 pm ET, the show struggled to attract more viewers than reruns of popular sitcom Friends and episodes of the iconic South Park series.
This unfortunate outcome marks the lowest primetime weeknight series debut for CNN in over a decade, as reported by Nielsen ratings.
Despite CNN's initial plans to air the show through the early spring, King Charles experienced a notable 20% decline in viewership since its premiere last November.
The first episode garnered a total of 500,000 viewers, with only 139,000 falling within the crucial 25-to-54 age demographic sought after by advertisers, according to Nielsen data.
Alarmingly, the episode aired on January 31st failed to surpass the 100,000 viewer mark in the 25-to-54 demographic, marking a significant downturn in viewership.
The brainchild of former CNN executive Chris Licht, King Charles faced challenges from the start, exacerbated by Licht's unceremonious departure following unflattering portrayals in the media.
The show's demise was further compounded by a lack of clear direction and cohesion, with critics noting its disjointed nature and lack of focus.
Observers remarked that hosts Gayle King and Charles Barkley seemed disconnected, giving the impression that they were merely fulfilling an obligation rather than genuinely engaging with the content.
During a particularly memorable moment on the show, Meghan Markle, a close friend of Gayle King and renowned for her ties to Oprah Winfrey, playfully teased the hosts by combining their names to create the show's title, King Charles III.
This light-hearted gesture, however, failed to salvage the show's dwindling appeal, as it struggled to find its footing amidst mounting criticism and viewer disinterest.
Gayle King's association with Meghan Markle, known for her controversial statements and actions, further contributed to the show's downfall.
Markle's contentious remarks and allegations, including those related to discrimination within the royal family, stirred up controversy and divided opinions among viewers.
Despite King's staunch defense of Markle's claims, citing undisclosed evidence or “receipts,” skepticism lingered regarding the validity and impact of these assertions.
In a revealing moment on CBS's This Morning, Gayle King reiterated her support for Meghan Markle, emphasizing the importance of accountability and documentation in addressing issues of discrimination.
However, King's own experiences, such as witnessing the diverse crowds paying respects to the late Queen, offered a contrasting perspective that challenged Markle's narrative of discrimination within the royal family.
Ultimately, the ill-fated King Charles show serves as a cautionary tale of the complexities and challenges inherent in blending entertainment with serious discourse, especially when entangled in the web of celebrity drama and social controversies.
As the dust settles on this failed experiment, it underscores the delicate balance between engaging storytelling and responsible journalism in the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment.
