CNN has axed Gayle King's show, marking the end of a six-month run that failed to garner significant ratings.
The weekly Prime Time talk show, co-hosted by the outspoken basketball personality Charles Barkley and CBS Morning star Gayle King, wrapped up amidst lackluster viewership. "King Charles," as it was titled, aired at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday nights but struggled to outshine reruns of "Friends" and episodes of "South Park." This dismal performance made it the lowest-rated Prime Time weeknight series debut for CNN in at least a decade, according to Nielsen ratings.
Since its launch in November, "King Charles" experienced a steady decline in viewership, with a 20% drop overall. The premiere episode attracted 500,000 total viewers, with 139,000 in the coveted 25 to 54 age demographic for advertisers. However, subsequent episodes failed to maintain this momentum. By January 31st, the show couldn't even breach the 100,000 viewer mark in the 25 to 54 demographic, marking a significant setback.
The brainchild of Chris Licked, a former CNN executive who was dismissed last year amid controversy, "King Charles" struggled to find its footing. The show's awkward pairing of Gayle King and Charles Barkley failed to resonate with audiences, despite initial hopes. Even Meghan Markle, a close friend of Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey, openly criticized the show's lack of direction and focus, suggesting that it felt more like a favor than a genuine effort.
Critics pointed out that Gayle King's association with Meghan Markle may have further tarnished the show's image. King faced backlash for her perceived bias towards Markle, particularly after the infamous Oprah interview where Markle made controversial allegations against the royal family. Despite this, King staunchly defended Markle's claims of discrimination, citing unspecified "receipts" as evidence.
However, some observers noted a shift in King's stance over time. During a segment on CBS's "This Morning," King acknowledged the diversity of support for the late Queen, suggesting a more nuanced perspective on Markle's allegations. This acknowledgment of differing viewpoints highlighted the complexity of the situation and hinted at a broader understanding of the issues at hand.
In the end, "King Charles" was a failed experiment, plagued by mismatched hosts and controversial subject matter. Its demise serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of blending entertainment with serious discourse, especially in the volatile landscape of modern media.
