Monday was an extraordinary day in the TV news business with Fox News and CNN parting ways with the most outspoken on-air hosts on their respective networks, Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon. The announcement of Lemon’s exit from CNN came less than an hour after Fox News announced Carlson’s exit, with both outlets calling the timing “coincidental.”
That night, Brian Kilmeade guest hosted the 8 p.m. hour that had served as the home of Carlson’s Fox News show since 2017. Weeknights at 8 p.m. will be called Fox News Tonight until a permanent host is found.
Kilmeade kept it brief on Monday. “I wish Tucker the best. I’m great friends with Tucker and always will be.” He then dove into the program.
Brian Kilmeade: “I wish Tucker the best. I’m great friends with Tucker, and always will be.” pic.twitter.com/aOh1Zy3VaS
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 25, 2023
Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins went a bit longer in addressing the exit of their morning partner, Lemon, at the top of Tuesday’s CNN This Morning.
“Don was a big part of this show over the past six months. He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show, and that’s obviously something I’ll never forget” said Collins. “I agree with Chris [CEO Licht], we wish him the best.”
Harlow said that Lemon was one of her first friends at the network when she joined 15 years ago, and said she was “thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support.”
She added, “Kaitlan and I are so proud of this show. We are proud of the dedicated team that works here around the clock to bring you the news every morning and our priority is you, the viewer. We’re grateful you welcome us into your home each morning.”
CNN’s Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins address Don Lemon’s termination at the top of the morning show. pic.twitter.com/U5RpXL8cEA
— The Recount (@therecount) April 25, 2023