What's Happening?
CNN is leveraging its archives to boost its streaming service by releasing episodes of 'Larry King Live,' a show that aired from 1985 to 2010. The network plans to stream curated collections of interviews from the show, featuring prominent figures from various
fields such as politics, entertainment, and music. The episodes will be available on CNN.com/Watch and CNN's subscription-based streaming app, with new releases every Friday through June 19. Larry King, known for his non-confrontational interview style, passed away in January 2021 but remains a significant cultural figure. His program was a popular platform for politicians and entertainers to express their views without sparking conflict.
Why It's Important?
The revival of 'Larry King Live' episodes on CNN's streaming service highlights the network's strategy to capitalize on its rich archival content to attract viewers. By offering thematic batches of interviews, CNN aims to engage both fans of Larry King and younger audiences interested in historical and cultural insights. This move is part of CNN's broader effort to monetize its archives, similar to its previous initiatives with Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' and other documentary series. The streaming of these episodes could enhance CNN's appeal to broadband viewers who prefer on-demand content over traditional cable programming.
What's Next?
CNN plans to release ten episodes of 'Larry King Live' each week, focusing on different themes such as Hollywood, politics, and comedy. This approach may draw in diverse audiences, including history enthusiasts and pop culture fans. As CNN continues to expand its streaming offerings, it may explore additional archival content to further enrich its platform. The success of this initiative could influence other networks to similarly leverage their archives to boost streaming services.
