Cnn Goes Hollywood: Elex Michaelson’S New L.A. Nighttime Show Lights Up The West Coast

CNN Plants Its Flag in L.A. with a Fresh Late-Night Vibe

Los Angeles, get ready to tune in! CNN is rolling out a brand-new nighttime show, The Story Is with Elex Michaelson, launching Monday at 9 p.m. PT (that’s midnight for you East Coast folks). Unlike the usual cable news reruns dominating the slot, this show is straight outta Hollywood, broadcasting live from CNN’s studios on the iconic Warner Bros. lot in Burbank - a stone’s throw from the heart of Tinseltown.

Hosted by Elex Michaelson, a familiar face to Angelenos from his days anchoring at KTTV Fox 11, this isn’t just another news grind. Michaelson’s pitching a West Coast perspective with a late-night twist, promising a mix of hard-hitting stories and laid-back, deep-dive convos that feel more Venice Beach bonfire than stuffy D.C. studio.

Why L.A.? Michaelson’s Case for a Cali-Centric Show

As a born-and-bred Californian, Michaelson’s hyped to shine a spotlight on the Golden State’s global influence. From Silicon Valley tech to Hollywood’s red carpet, and even the Central Valley’s agricultural powerhouse, he’s ready to show why Cali leads the charge. “We’re not just a state; we set the pace for the world in so many ways,” he said in a recent chat, and you can feel that SoCal pride dripping through.

“California’s impact isn’t just national - it’s global, and it’s time our stories get the primetime they deserve,” Michaelson told us.

Having built a rep in L.A. as a go-to for politics and public affairs, Michaelson’s scored big interviews over the years with heavyweights like Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. Now, with CNN’s backing, he’s got a bigger stage to bring those Cali-flavored issues - think immigration, trade, and tech - to viewers worldwide, including via CNN International in morning slots across time zones.

A Premiere Packed with Star Power and Local Flavor

The debut episode is pulling out all the stops with a two-hour special that screams L.A. energy. Expect an in-studio sit-down with California Governor Gavin Newsom, a deep dive into Josh Groban’s passion for arts education, and a lively panel with legal icon Gloria Allred and conservative voice Larry Elder. Plus, Anderson Cooper’s dropping by to chat about his podcast, All There Is Live, adding some extra star wattage to the night.

Night two keeps the momentum with a segment on former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cool initiative training ex-convicts to build custom cars - pure Cali innovation. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) will also join to discuss Governor Newsom’s controversial Proposition 50 redistricting proposal, while Brian Tyler Cohen and Jessica Millan Patterson spice up the panel discussion.

What to Expect: News, Culture, and a Dash of Joy

Throughout the first week, Michaelson’s lineup includes big names like Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), alongside local highlights like World Series coverage in L.A. (with a shoutout to a Tokyo watch party). Breaking news will still play a role, tapping into CNN’s global correspondents, but there’s also room for fun - think movie reviews and cultural segments that capture the West Coast vibe.

This ain’t your typical local news or just another “West Coast tonight” snooze. Michaelson’s clear that while California’s hot-button issues - like the ongoing Trump-Newsom feud - will get airtime, the show’s ethos is about finding “moments of joy, hope, and humor” in every block. It’s a fresh take, more late-night hang than daytime grind, ready to rival Fox News’ replays of The Five and MSNBC’s rerun lineup.

So, whether you’re chilling in Santa Monica or streaming from across the globe, The Story Is is set to bring a slice of L.A. to your screen. Mark your calendars, fam - this is one Hollywood premiere you don’t wanna miss.