Quick Read
- Elex Michaelson has launched ‘The Story Is,’ a new nighttime news show on CNN from Los Angeles.
- The show features high-profile guests like Gavin Newsom, Adam Schiff, and Pete Buttigieg.
- Michaelson’s approach emphasizes fair, inclusive, and human-centric conversations.
- The debut episode focused on California’s redistricting ballot measure, with panelists from both sides.
- Coverage expands beyond local issues to global events, adding depth to nightly news.
California at the Center: Redistricting, Politics, and the Pulse of the Nation
On October 27, 2025, CNN unveiled a new chapter in its nighttime news lineup: ‘The Story Is with Elex Michaelson’. Broadcasting from Los Angeles, the show sets out to do something rare in today’s crowded media landscape: anchor big debates in local reality while connecting them to global themes. Michaelson, already known for his incisive interviews with national leaders, is stepping onto a larger stage, promising viewers a nightly dose of both California’s urgent issues and world-shaping events.
The show’s debut arrives at a pivotal moment for California politics. As voters prepare to decide on a redistricting ballot measure, Michaelson invited a pair of panelists who embody the state’s ideological diversity: conservative commentator Jessica Millan Patterson and podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen. Their exchange, aired on CNN, reflected not only the political stakes but also the nuances that often get lost in shouting matches. The segment offered an unusually respectful back-and-forth, with Michaelson steering the conversation toward substance rather than spectacle (CNN Politics).
Breaking the Mold: A Human-Centric Approach to News
What makes ‘The Story Is’ stand out isn’t just its roster of guests—though the list is impressive. Governor Gavin Newsom, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are all slated to appear during launch week. But Michaelson’s vision goes deeper. He wants to shake up the formula of late-night news, moving away from endless reruns and predictable soundbites. In his words, “I don’t think that works anymore.” Instead, the show aims for what he calls “a late-night feel,” where viewers encounter not just breaking headlines, but moments of hope, humor, and genuine dialogue (emegypt.net).
Michaelson’s previous work on KTTV’s ‘The Issue Is’ established his reputation for thoughtful interviews with heavyweights like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. Now, on CNN, he’s set on fostering “fair and inclusive conversations” that reflect California’s role as both a microcosm and a driver of national trends. Immigration, trade, and social change—all get the spotlight, but always filtered through the lens of real people’s experiences.
From California to the World: Expanding the Conversation
Yet, the reach of ‘The Story Is’ isn’t limited to state politics. Michaelson’s reporting spans the globe, as evidenced by his recent coverage of world events—from ongoing conflict in Gaza and anti-drug campaigns in Rio’s favelas, to diplomatic gestures like South Korea’s gifting of a golden crown replica to former President Donald Trump (CNN). Each story is presented not as an isolated headline, but as part of a wider narrative, inviting viewers to consider the ripple effects on communities far from the spotlight.
In one memorable segment, Michaelson asked what Japan’s first female leader might mean for Japanese women—a question that resonates far beyond Asia. By framing international news through questions of identity and impact, the show seeks to make the distant feel immediate, and the global seem personal.
A New Standard for Nighttime Journalism
Michaelson’s approach is both intentional and ambitious. By setting his show apart from competitors like MSNBC’s ‘The Briefing with Jen Psaki’ and ‘The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell’, he’s betting that audiences are hungry for something more than recaps and punditry. The goal: build trust by making space for disagreement without descending into noise, and offer fresh angles on stories that matter. The inclusion of stories like the discovery of a new Dr. Seuss book—reported with warmth and curiosity—underscores the show’s commitment to variety and emotional connection (CNN).
‘The Story Is’ also reflects a broader shift in American media, where local and national issues increasingly intertwine. Los Angeles, with its complex mix of cultures, industries, and political movements, serves as both setting and subject. Michaelson’s decision to root the show in this city is itself a statement: California isn’t just a backdrop, but a bellwether for the country’s future.
Looking Ahead: What Can Viewers Expect?
As the program settles into its first weeks, viewers can expect a blend of high-profile interviews, rigorous panel discussions, and stories that stretch beyond the usual headlines. Whether it’s the intricacies of redistricting, the symbolism behind diplomatic gifts, or the human impact of international crises, Michaelson promises coverage that’s both comprehensive and relatable.
His emphasis on hope and humor—elements often missing from news—signals an effort to reach viewers who are weary of division and drama. By treating politics and policy as matters that affect real lives, ‘The Story Is’ aims to foster understanding, not just argument.
Michaelson’s launch of ‘The Story Is’ marks a significant moment for television journalism. By blending California’s local pulse with global insight, and prioritizing authentic dialogue over spectacle, the show offers a compelling alternative for viewers seeking substance and connection in their nightly news.
