CNN is looking to bring back “Crossfire,” TVNewser hears. The long-running political debate show was canceled in 2005.
It isn’t entirely clear what time the program would air, though we hear it would likely be a 30-minute format. During its original run from 1982-2005, “Crossfire” aired in both the afternoons and primetime, in addition to weekend editions. Aside from a brief 60-minute experiment, it was always 30 minutes. CNN declined to comment.
If it moves forward, CNN would rely on its stable of political contributors to fill the “left,” “right” and occasionally “center” roles. The channel recently parted ways with contributors James Carville and Mary Matalin, who were regulars on the original iteration of the show. Paul Begala–also a regular on the show when it was canceled–is still with the channel.
“Crossfire” was canceled in January, 2005, just a few months after “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart appeared on the program and said that it was “hurting America.” That appearance, which has been viewed more than 5.5 million times online, was widely cited–even by CNN executives–as having played a part in the cancellation.
Right now the network is looking to refresh its lineup, starting with Jake Tapper at 4 PM, a new morning show with Chris Cuomo and Kate Bolduan, and experimental programming like panel show “(Get To) The Point” at 10pmET this week.