Don Lemon is signaling a fresh chapter in his media career, with a new show on social media giant X, formerly Twitter.
After parting ways with CNN last year, Lemon announced on Tuesday, Jan. 9, he’s launching his own media company and the debut of a new program, The Don Lemon Show.
In a social media post, Lemon described the show as an opportunity to be “bigger, bolder, freer.”
He added, “I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
Related: Don Lemon Has ‘No Regrets’ After CNN Exit: ‘I Don’t Look Back’
Oren Rosenbaum, head of audio and a partner at Lemon’s agency UTA, shared insights into the program’s approach in a statement to Variety.
“Leveraging technology like AI and many decades worth of experience, Don will break news and provoke thoughtful conversation through his direct and unfiltered take on today’s most important stories,” Rosenbaum said.
Talks between Lemon and X have reportedly been ongoing for the past six months, leading to the upcoming launch of the new program in the coming weeks. The program is expected to cover a range of topics, including politics, cultural issues, and human interest stories.
X, aiming to expand its video offerings, plans to introduce new programs from other prominent figures, including former politician Tulsi Gabbard and sportscaster Jim Rome.
The move to X marks a major shift for Lemon, once one of the best-known personalities in cable news.
The former anchor was ousted from the network in April 2023 following changes in leadership and programming.
At the time, Lemon said he was “stunned” by the decision, which he claimed was not discussed with him prior to his termination.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN,” Lemon shared in a statement. “I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”
Prior to his exit, CNN made the decision to end his primetime show, Don Lemon Tonight, and Lemon moved to morning programming.
Despite occasionally finding himself in the midst of controversy, Lemon remained a prominent figure at CNN, standing out as one of the network’s leading stars.
