CNN extends ‘Democracy In Peril’ to fill Chris Cuomo’s old timeslot

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CNN has opted to continue its “Democracy in Peril” special at 9 a.m. eastern, filling the hour vacated after anchor Chris Cuomo was axed.

The special started the week of Jan. 17, 2022, with “New Day” co-anchor Brianna Keilar anchoring (she temporarily moved off the morning shift).

Originally, CNN had a second hour of “Anderson Cooper 360” on the schedule for the following week, but opted to continue the “Peril” hour, but turned it over to weekend anchor Jim Acosta the week of Jan. 24, 2022.

The 9 p.m. hour is a key timeslot in cable news and Cuomo’s show was typically one of CNN’s highest rated hours, though it came in behind Fox’s right leaning commentary channel, which airs “Tucker Carlson Tonight” at the same time.

The network is facing the challenge of filling the hour after Cuomo was fired after investigations revealed that he allegedly violated journalistic standards by attempting to aid his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo navigate a series of sexual misconduct accusations.

By creating what’s essentially a temporary show to fill the hour, the network has a chance to tinker with format, content and focus as well as try out different talent.

Keilar had made a name for herself at the network for her sharp questioning and on air delivery and was moved to the anchor desk beside John Berman on “New Day” in 2021, replacing Alisyn Camerota, who moved to afternoons.

However, the show still largely underperforms.

Acosta, meanwhile, rose to popular during his time covering the Trump White House, including frequent run ins with Donald Trump and his press staffers. He notably had his “hard pass” credential to access the White House grounds revoked in a move that some saw as retaliation for his coverage of Trump.

After Trump left office, he was given a weekend anchor shift; it’s common for networks to shuffle D.C. correspondents after new presidential terms start.