CNN morning news returns to former ‘New Day’ set

“CNN This Morning” has returned to the home of its predecessor after spending about 10 months on a temporary set.

The Sept. 12, 2023, edition of the morning show originated from Studio 19Y at the network’s Hudson Yards facility. 

The set debuted in 2019 for “New Day,” which was then the name of the network’s morning newscast.

“Cuomo Prime Time” also used the space, as did, at one point or another, “Quest Means Business” and “At This Hour.”

When the network hastily launched “CNN This Morning” in November 2022 under then-CEO Chris Licht, the show broadcast from down the hall in Studio 19X.

Prior to the launch of “This Morning,” CNN announced that it would be building a completely new set for the show, but it would not be complete in time for the November debut. Plans called for the show to move onto the set later down the road.

At around the same time, the newsroom set located down in Studio 17N stopped being actively used on the air, though simulated backgrounds depicting the space continued to appear on air.

CNN never confirmed if Studio 17N was being converted into space for “This Morning.”

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The show ultimately ended up losing co-anchors Don Lemon, who was fired, and Kaitlan Collins, who moved to primetime, leaving only Poppy Harlow at the desk. Licht himself would get the axe in June 2023.

The network would eventually pair Harlow with Phil Mattingly on “This Morning.”

CNN did not comment if a new set is still in the works for the new co-hosts.

Studio 19X was originally designed as a flexible space that could be used for special programming and town hall-style programming. It features a series of movable video wall arrays and scenic elements so it can take on a variety of different looks.

During its time in 19X, “This Morning” used the space’s large primary video wall background configuration as its home base. Low open credenzas were brought in and met at an angle camera center while the video wall was used to depict a compilation of U.S. city skylines.

Other video walls and the movable stacks of LED video panels with lit borders were used in a variety of ways in conjunction with some additional scenery brought in just for “This Morning.” 

The show made heavy use of the floating camera “walk and wander” and “video on video” shots during anchor reads.

Back in 19Y, the broadcast continued to use a blended skyline on the studio’s video walls, which are mostly designed to simulate the look of large, double height windows set inside faux brick archways. The LED ribbon that wraps around the balcony now sports the date and a fresh blue background instead of the ticker.

The show does not include simulated mullions in the video wall graphics as it did originally.

Studio 19Y remained in-use during the time “This Morning” spent down the hall, showing up on primetime specials and other programs.

CNN is also using Studio 19Y to produce “King Charles,” its new weekly show hosted by Gayle King and Charles Barkley. 

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