Piers Morgan Live

Last updated
Piers Morgan Live
Piers Morgan Live titlecard.jpg
Also known asPiers Morgan Tonight (2011–2013)
Genre Talk show
Created by Piers Morgan
Presented by Piers Morgan
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons3
Production
Running time41 minutes
Original release
Network CNN
ReleaseJanuary 17, 2011 (2011-01-17) –
March 28, 2014 (2014-03-28)
Related

Piers Morgan Live (formerly known as Piers Morgan Tonight) was an American television talk show that was hosted by Piers Morgan and broadcast on CNN. [1] The show premiered on January 17, 2011, and filled in the former Larry King Live timeslot. [2] It was announced as cancelled on February 23, 2014, after a continuous drop in ratings, and broadcast its last episode on March 28, 2014. [3]

Contents

The theme music was written by Anthony James, composer and CEO of British company Music Candy, and his writing partner Yiorgos Bellapaisiotis, Music Candy's Director. [4] Piers Morgan Live was broadcast primarily from CNN's studios [5] at the Time Warner Center in New York City.

Format

Morgan in 2013 Piers Morgan at PaleyFest 2013.jpg
Morgan in 2013

Throughout the show's run, Morgan interviewed many guests, including politicians, celebrities and members of the public. His first guest was Oprah Winfrey. [6] [7] Soon after the show's debut, when the Egyptian revolution began, the show changed from a Larry King Live-like interview format to a breaking news-format program. Morgan had never anchored a live news show, but did have experience with breaking news as a newspaper journalist. [8] Because of major news events such as the Arab Spring and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the ratio of taped to live interviews was the opposite of his expectations. [7]

Ratings

After a respectable start on the debut show, [9] Piers Morgan Tonight had suffered from falling ratings. [10] On his first show 2.1 million U.S. viewers tuned in, [11] but by the second show the ratings dropped to 1.3 million. [12] The January 28, 2011, edition garnered just 498,000 viewers.[ citation needed ] The show received its second largest audience on February 28, 2011, as 1.346 million people tuned in to see Morgan interview actor Charlie Sheen, whose recent abnormal behavior made headlines. [13] However, by the autumn of 2011, the program's ratings were trending downward. In October 2011, Piers Morgan Tonight had an average total audience of 589,000 each night, down from Larry King Live's average of 657,000 in the same month a year before. In November 2011, the program had an average of just 154,000 viewers ages 25 to 54. In contrast, Larry King Live had an average of 161,000 in November 2010. Piers Morgan Tonight also had fewer total viewers that month than Larry King Live did a year before, 620,000 versus 635,000. [14]

In June 2012, it was reported that Piers Morgan Tonight had the lowest ratings for a CNN primetime slot in 21 years. [15] During the week of July 30, 2012, to August 5, 2012, the program averaged 314,000 viewers overall, with a mere 81,000 among adults 25–54—its lowest ratings to-date. [16] Despite an uptick in the final quarter of 2012 amid the presidential election, and being CNN's most-viewed program in total viewership, total viewership of Piers Morgan Tonight declined by 19% year-over-year in 2012, and by 22% among adults 25–54. [17]

Its viewership continued to decline; in June 2013, Piers Morgan Live experienced its second-lowest rated month of average viewership among adults 25–54 since January 2001. [18] On February 20, 2014, the program recorded its smallest audience among adults 25–54 to-date, with only 50,000 (among around 270,000 total viewers). [19]

Cancellation

On February 23, 2014, CNN announced that Piers Morgan Live would be cancelled, with its final episode scheduled to air some time in March. [20] [21] The series aired its final episode on March 28, 2014; most of the broadcast consisted of coverage of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Morgan closed the broadcast with an appeal for stronger gun control legislation in the United States, stating that "I’m so pro-American, I want more of you to stay alive." [22]

CNN would abandon having a talk show in the 9 p.m. hour of its schedule, with new CNN head Jeff Zucker choosing to experiment with airing factual, reality-style documentary series in the timeslot instead. [23] [24] [25]

Criticism

The programme was criticised for Morgan’s confrontational interviewing style, where he would interrupt his guests without letting them answer the questions. Morgan often claimed that they weren’t answering them. Morgan was confronted over his approach by various interviewees such as Ben Shapiro [26] and Chelsea Handler. [27]

Morgan also experienced controversy over his stance on gun control during his tenure, where he called for increased restrictions on members of the public buying guns. Morgan’s interviews with various pro-gun activists in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting led to a “Deport Piers Morgan” petition being launched on the White House website, which received enough signatures to receive a response from the Obama administration, where they did not deport him, citing First Amendment rights. [28]

"Banned" guests

A March 2012 report at MTV.com claimed that "Morgan has apparently felt slighted over the years by Madonna ... he claims he was lied to by the singer's publicist", and that "Morgan escalated the feud, sending a snippy message to Madonna ... Morgan wrote, 'Welcome to Twitter @MadonnaMDNAday – you're still banned from my show. Love Piers.'" Morgan additionally banned Madonna's publicist Guy Oseary due to what he called "guilt by association". [29]

In September 2012, it was reported that Morgan had additionally banned actor Kelsey Grammer after Morgan claimed Grammer "saw a photo of his ex-wife Camille in the open to our show and legged it." [30] [31] On September 26, 2012, KTTV in Los Angeles reported that "many say [it] was an ambush by Piers". [32] The Huffington Post reported, "before the interview was scheduled, it was made clear that Grammer would answer all questions, including those about [his ex-wife]. His sole request was not to show any images of her." [33] Morgan had also banned Hugh Grant from the show, calling him "a tedious little man". [34]

Countries broadcast

The show was aired in the United States and Canada on cable channel CNN and simulcast to the rest of the world via CNN International. [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelsey Grammer</span> American actor (born 1955)

Allen Kelsey Grammer is an American actor. He gained fame for his role as psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane on the NBC sitcom Cheers (1984–1993) and its spin-off Frasier. At over 20 years on-air, this is one of the longest-running roles played by a single live-action actor in television history. He has received numerous accolades including a total of six Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony Award. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larry King</span> American television and radio host (1933–2021)

Larry King was an American author, radio and television host. He earned his awards and nominations included two Peabodys, an Emmy, and 10 Cable ACE Awards. During his career, King conducted over 60,000 interviews on radio and TV.

<i>20/20</i> (American TV program) American television newsmagazine

20/20 (stylized as 2020) is an American television newsmagazine that has been broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. Created by ABC News executive Roone Arledge, the program was designed similarly to CBS's 60 Minutes in that it features in-depth story packages, although it focuses more on human interest stories than international and political subjects. The program's name derives from the "20/20" measurement of visual acuity.

<i>Larry King Live</i> American television talk show

Larry King Live is an American television talk show broadcast by CNN from June 3, 1985 to December 16, 2010. Hosted by Larry King, it was the network's most watched and longest-running program, with over one million viewers nightly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piers Morgan</span> British journalist and television host (born 1965)

Piers Stefan Pughe-Morgan is an English broadcaster, journalist, writer, and television personality. He began his career in 1988 at the tabloid The Sun. In 1994, aged 29, he was appointed editor of the News of the World by Rupert Murdoch, which made him the youngest editor of a British national newspaper in more than half a century. From 1995, Morgan edited the Daily Mirror, but was fired in 2004. He was the editorial director of First News from 2006 to 2007. In 2014, Morgan became the first editor-at-large of the MailOnline website's US operation.

<i>Conan</i> (talk show) American late-night television talk show

Conan is an American variety and late-night talk show that aired each Monday through Thursday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern time on TBS in the United States for 11 seasons, from 2010 to 2021. The show premiered on November 8, 2010, and was hosted by writer, comedian, and performer Conan O'Brien, accompanied by his long-time sidekick Andy Richter. Running for eight years and identifying as a traditional late-night talk show, Conan drew its comedy from recent news stories, political figures, and prominent celebrities, as well as aspects of the show itself. The hour-long show was akin to O'Brien's previous NBC late-night shows and was directed by Billy Bollotino.

<i>The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson</i> American television series

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson is an American late-night talk show hosted by Scottish actor and comedian Craig Ferguson. This was the third iteration of the Late Late Show franchise, airing from January 3, 2005, to December 19, 2014. It followed the Late Show with David Letterman in the CBS late-night lineup, airing weekdays in the U.S. at 12:37 a.m. Taped in front of a live studio audience from Monday to Thursday at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California, directly above the Bob Barker Studio, it was produced by David Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants Incorporated and CBS Television Studios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camille Meyer</span> American television personality, dancer and actress

Camille Meyer is an American actress, dancer, model, and television personality. She is known for appearing on several seasons of the reality television show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The Celebrity Apprentice is an American television reality competition series. It was a variation of The Apprentice series, hosted by real estate developer Donald Trump from 2008 to 2015, and actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from January to August 2017, when it was canceled.

<i>Chelsea Lately</i> American late night comedy talk show

Chelsea Lately is an American late night comedy talk show created by Brody Stevens and hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler. The show was produced by Handler's production company, and taped at Universal Studios Stage 1, in Universal City, California. It was broadcast on E!, with the first episode aired on July 16, 2007, and the 1048th, and last, on August 26, 2014. In American markets, the show aired at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and 8:00 p.m. Pacific time having been recorded at 3:30 p.m. PT, usually the same day.

<i>The Rachel Maddow Show</i> US daily news and opinion television program

The Rachel Maddow Show is an American news television program that airs on MSNBC, running in the 9:00 pm ET time slot Monday evenings. It is hosted by Rachel Maddow, who gained a public profile via her frequent appearances as a progressive pundit on programs aired by MSNBC. It is based on her former radio show of the same name. The show debuted on September 8, 2008.

Blue Bloods is an American police procedural drama television series that has been airing on CBS since September 24, 2010. Its main characters are members of the fictional Reagan family, an American, Irish Catholic family in New York City with a history of work in law enforcement. Blue Bloods stars Tom Selleck as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan; other main cast members include Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes and Len Cariou for all 13 seasons, plus Amy Carlson, and Sami Gayle.

In the Arena is an American one-hour show on CNN that premiered October 4, 2010 as Parker Spitzer and was hosted by former New York Democratic governor Eliot Spitzer and Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist Kathleen Parker. It was broadcast weeknights in prime time at 8 p.m. ET, replacing Campbell Brown in the same time slot. The show received consistently low ratings and there were reports of backstage fighting between Spitzer and Parker. On February 25, 2011, CNN announced that Parker had parted ways with the show to continue her work on her syndicated column but would continue to contribute to CNN. Spitzer remained on the show and the title was changed to In the Arena effective February 28. The show was canceled by CNN on July 6, 2011. The cancellation was effective August 8, 2011, when CNN went on to broadcast its flagship nightly news program AC360, anchored by Anderson Cooper, live at 8 pm and re-air in the time slot of 10 pm.

<i>After Lately</i> American TV series or program

After Lately is an American television comedy. The series depicts, in mockumentary style, the behind the scenes goings-on at the office of the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately. The cast is made up of the actual writers and performers of Chelsea Lately, who play themselves as they suffer the indignities and relish the perks of show business, bicker and argue over trivial and petty matters, compete for show air time and personal approval from Chelsea, and produce a nightly late-night cable comedy show. Celebrity guest stars regularly appear, playing parody versions of themselves, interacting with Chelsea and the cast. The series began airing on E! on March 6, 2011.

<i>The Five</i> (talk show) American panel talk television series

The Five is an American panel talk show on Fox News Channel in which full-time hosts Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, Jeanine Pirro and alternating hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr. discuss current stories, political issues, and pop culture. The one-hour show premiered on July 11, 2011, and airs live weekdays at 5 p.m. ET, with repeat episodes airing at 5 a.m. ET and 5 p.m. ET on Saturdays.

<i>Oprah Prime</i> American TV series or program

Oprah Prime is an American prime-time television series hosted and produced by Oprah Winfrey, airing on Oprah Winfrey Network. The series premiered on January 1, 2012, with a two-part episode featuring Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. The third season brought a new series title, Oprah Prime, and premiered on March 9, 2014.

<i>Don Lemon Tonight</i> Weeknight television show on CNN

Don Lemon Tonight was a late evening news commentary program which aired from 2014 until its cancellation in 2022 on CNN, hosted by Don Lemon.

Cuomo Prime Time is an American news analysis show that aired on CNN from June 4, 2018 to November 29, 2021. Hosted by Chris Cuomo, the series featured analysis and debates on current news topics, as well as in-depth interviews with notable figures.

<i>CNN Tonight</i> American television news program

CNN Tonight is the title of several news programs that were broadcast by U.S. cable network CNN. The CNN Tonight branding has primarily been used for transitional programs aired by CNN in the evening and prime time hours as part of changes to its programming lineup—including the departure or reassignment of anchors. It was first used for a short-lived program in 2001 anchored by Bill Hemmer.

References

  1. ↑ Stelter, Brian (December 16, 2010). "CNN Fills the Gap Between King and Morgan". The New York Times. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
  2. ↑ Rajini Vaidyanathan, "Piers Morgan's debut as CNN host after Larry King", BBC News, January 18, 2011.
  3. ↑ Sadie Gennis (March 14, 2014). "Piers Morgan's CNN Show Gets Official End Date". TV Guide.
  4. ↑ "CNN hires UK radio producer" Archived 2012-05-03 at the Wayback Machine , Radio Today, January 10, 2011.
  5. ↑ Stelter, Brian (December 16, 2010). "CNN Fills the Gap Between King and Morgan". The New York Times. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
  6. ↑ "TCA: Oprah To Be First Guest on 'Piers Morgan Tonight'", Multichannel News, January 6, 2011.
  7. 1 2 "Eventful first year for Piers Morgan's CNN show". CTV. Associated Press. January 16, 2012. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
  8. ↑ Morgan, Piers (January 16, 2012). "Chelsea Handler Turns the Table on Piers; Piers Morgan Discusses First Year With CNN". Piers Morgan Tonight (Interview). Interviewed by Chelsea Handler (guest interviewer). CNN. Retrieved January 17, 2012.{{cite interview}}: |interviewer= has generic name (help)
  9. ↑ Richard Adams, "Piers Morgan's first CNN outing is second best to Fox News", guardian.co.uk, January 18, 2011
  10. ↑ Sarah Gordon, "Piers Morgan Sees US Show Ratings Plummet", Sky News, January 31, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Sarah Palin upstages Piers Morgan's CNN premiere with Oprah Winfrey", Show Tracker, L.A. Times, January 18, 2011
  12. ↑ Ratings drop for Piers Morgan's second night on CNN ATV Network, January 19, 2011
  13. ↑ Bill Gorman, "Crazy Charlie Sheen Gives 'Piers Morgan Tonight' Its 2nd Biggest Audience; Best 25–54 Demo Ever", TV by the Numbers, March 1, 2011.
  14. ↑ Stelter, Brian (November 30, 2011). "Piers Morgan Struggles to Beat King's Ratings". The New York Times.
  15. ↑ Amy Willis (June 28, 2012). "Piers Morgan brings worst ratings to CNN prime time slot in 21 years". Telegraph. London. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  16. ↑ Patten, Dominic (7 August 2012). "CNN Primetime Ratings Sink To 20-Year Weekly Low". Deadline.com. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  17. ↑ "2012 Ratings: CNN Down for the Year, But Finishes 2012 With Strong Q4". TVNewser. 2013-01-04. Archived from the original on 2014-09-02. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  18. ↑ O'Connell, Michael (February 7, 2013). "TV Ratings: MSNBC Suffers Worst Quarter Since 2007, Piers Morgan Drops on CNN". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  19. ↑ Patten, Dominic (2014-02-20). "CNN's 'Piers Morgan Live' Ratings Sink To Second Lowest Ever, CNN Ties Sixth Worst Primetime Result". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  20. ↑ Carr, David (2014-02-24). "Piers Morgan and CNN Plan End to His Prime-Time Show". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  21. ↑ "Piers Morgan To End CNN Show "Probably In March"". Deadline. 2014-02-24. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  22. ↑ Couch, Aaron (2014-03-28). "Piers Morgan Ends CNN Run With Gun Control Plea: 'I Want More of You to Stay Alive'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  23. ↑ Brodesser-Akner, Taffy (April 20, 2015). "Anchorman: The Legend of Don Lemon". GQ . Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  24. ↑ Carter, Bill (April 10, 2014). "CNN to Show Documentaries in 9 P.M. Time Slot". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  25. ↑ "CNN Keeps Burnett, Cooper in Primetime While Adding 'CNN Tonight' at 10 P.M." Variety. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  26. ↑ Morgan, Piers (January 14, 2013). "Ben Shapiro and Piers Morgan on guns". CNN . Retrieved June 5, 2022– via YouTube.
  27. ↑ "Piers Morgan slammed by comedian Chelsea Handler over Twitter addiction | Media Monkey". The Guardian . 13 March 2014.
  28. ↑ "Deport Piers Morgan petition earns official response from White House". TheGuardian.com . 9 January 2013.
  29. ↑ Gil Kaufman, "Madonna Banned...", MTV.com, March 28, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Kelsey Grammer Walks Out on Piers Morgan", ABCNews, September 20, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  31. ↑ Emily Gagne, "Kelsey Grammer storms off set" Archived 2012-10-28 at the Wayback Machine , TVGuide.ca, September 20, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  32. ↑ Official Facebook page: FOX 11 Flash, September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Kelsey Grammer, Piers Morgan: Actor Barred From CNN Show But Not Concerned, Says Source", Huffington Post, September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  34. ↑ "Piers Morgan bans 'tedious little man' Hugh Grant from CNN show". Press Gazette. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  35. ↑ "CNN: What time does Piers Morgan air in your country", CNN, January 18, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.