CNN’s Elex Michaelson to Launch New Show ‘The Story Is’ on October 27

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 24, 2025. The Story Is with Elex Michaelson, a new primetime show on CNN, will premiere on October 27 at 9 p.m. PT/12 a.m. ET. Michaelson, an award-winning journalist based in Los Angeles, will host the show which aims to bring together diverse voices for timely conversations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom will be the first guest, discussing the state’s critical redistricting vote on November 4. Other guests scheduled for the launch week include former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), and Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff.

In addition to political discussions, The Story Is will feature live nightly panels and debates with a variety of guests. Prominent voices will include attorneys Gloria Allred and Areva Martin, conservative talk radio hosts Larry Elder and Jennifer Horn, and journalists Peter Hamby and POLITICO’s Melanie Mason.

Michaelson expressed excitement about the show’s mission: “The Story Is will waste no time in bringing together key figures from across the political spectrum to have fair, respectful, and inclusive conversations,” he stated. His goal is to go beyond typical news dialogue by incorporating elements of hope, joy, and humor.

Beyond politics, the show will cover major stories in sports, health, technology, and entertainment. In its inaugural week, The Story Is will provide live coverage of President Donald Trump’s Asia visit and feature the ongoing World Series in Los Angeles.

Moreover, Michaelson plans to interview singer Josh Groban about supporting arts education programs and will join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he backs a program aimed at helping ex-convicts build custom cars.

The Story Is will be broadcast weeknights from 9-11 p.m. PT/12-2 a.m. ET on CNN and CNN International.