Discovery+ adding CNN Originals Hub

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CNN will launch a dedicated hub on Discovery+ starting Aug. 19, 2022, marking the network’s first foray back into streaming after the failed short-lived streamer CNN+ earlier in 2022.

The CNN Originals Hub will launch for U.S. Discovery+ subscribers in August and pull content from existing CNN Original Series, CNN Films and HLN Original Series.

“We’re thrilled to expand the reach of CNN and HLN’s powerful nonfiction programming to subscribers of Discovery+,” said Chris Licht, chairman and CEO of CNN, in a statement. “Our original series have an unrivaled ability to introduce and immerse audiences in stories of the people, places and cultures that make this world so fantastic and, at times, frightening. By offering our programming through discovery+, more people can explore and experience CNN’s premium content.”

“True crime, food and travel programming are among the most-watched genres for Discovery+ viewers, so these titles from CNN will fit right in with our best-in-class collection of unscripted content,” said J.B. Perrette, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming in the same statement. “We’re excited to offer our subscribers access to a comprehensive offering of CNN Original Series available to stream with their existing subscription.”

CNN also will launch “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” on HBO Max later in the fall, as previously announced. A firm launch date for the show’s new incarnation has not been announced.

“Who’s Talking” was originally created for CNN+ and was the first daily program to announce it would get a second life on HBO Max.

In its Aug. 4, 2022, announcement of the CNN Originals Hub, CNN notably did not mention CNN+ once.

CNN+ launched March 29, 2022 and lasted less than a month before closing down April 28, 2022 (two days earlier than originally announced), despite heavy investment and promotion by the network.

The merger between former CNN parent WarnerMedia and Discovery, which would form Warner Bros. Discovery, had just closed at the time and sources reported that the new leadership, who had been in place for months, had wanted CNN to hold off on launching its streaming service so that it could be combined with the new, combined entity’s streaming strategy, including possible inclusion within HBO Max and Discovery+.

However, CNN leaders barreled forward with its planned launch date.