CNN Plus: shut down, content and everything we know

(Image credit: CNN)

CNN Plus is reportedly not long for the entertainment world. It is being reported by multiple outlets that CNN Plus is planning to shut down less than month after the new streaming services release.

What does that mean for what the streaming service has to offer? Will any of its content transition over to other streaming services like HBO Max, which also falls under the new WarnerMedia Discovery company banner?

As we wait for official plans from CNN, using info first reported by Variety, here's what we know about the CNN Plus streaming service:

What is CNN Plus?

To oversimplify things, CNN Plus is billed as a "global news, information and lifestyle subscription service." In other words, that sounds like a whole lot of what the broader CNN world does today. The same headline on the press release goes on to say that it's a "new experience for CNN superfans, news junkies and fans of quality nonfiction."

From the initial press release: "CNN Plus will feature original, live, on demand and interactive programming as a standalone direct-to-consumer service with offerings that are separate and distinct from CNN, CNN International, HLN and CNN en Español linear TV channels."

The service also offers a number of shows that viewers were likely familiar with, including Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, This is Life with Lisa Ling and United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell.

New original series and films, developed specifically for CNN Plus, were also part of the streaming service.

When will CNN Plus shut down?

After launching on March 29, CNN Plus is reportedly set to shut down on April 30.

How much does CNN Plus cost?

CNN Plus launched with at a price of $5.99 per month or $59.99 for a full year. CNN also announced a special deal for the new streaming service: anyone who subscribed to CNN Plus in its first four weeks was given a 50% discount on the monthly price for life, so long as they remain a CNN Plus subscriber.

Where is CNN Plus available?

CNN Plus was only be available in the US.

CNN Plus originals

CNN Plus promised a slate of live, on-demand and interactive original programming that will be exclusive to the streaming service. This is what was available to watch on CNN Plus when it launched as well as what was in the pipeline. No information is available yet as to the status of any of these shows following the streaming service shutting down.

Weekly, daily programming:

5 Things with Kate Bolduan: Need to get up to speed quickly? CNN’s most popular newsletter and podcast is expanding to a new morning show hosted by CNN Anchor Kate Bolduan. 5 Things gives you the five stories you need to know to start your day. Grab a coffee and count down the top five essential stories of the morning with us. New episodes debut at 7 am ET.
Go There: Go There takes you to the front lines of breaking news. Join the crew and go behind the scenes with CNN’s reporters and correspondents stationed around the world. We have cameras in every corner of the planet. This is your live, all-access pass to the most essential and visual news stories of the day. Currently available exclusively on CNN Digital properties, Go There’s award-winning reporting has been recognized across the industry and holds the title of the most watched news video on Facebook with live reporting from Wuhan, China in January 2020. New episodes debut at 8 am ET.
Big Picture with Sara Sidner: Big Picture is an in-depth look at the most important and interesting story of the day, hosted by CNN’s Sara Sidner. Sidner hosts a deep-dive conversation featuring CNN’s award-winning reporters and expert guests. Zoom out and contemplate the broader scope of today’s top story and how various pieces of the puzzle connect. New episodes debut at 9 am ET.
Reliable Sources Daily: From New York to Hollywood to Silicon Valley – CNN’s Chief Media Correspondent and Anchor Brian Stelter brings together all the headlines in the media on Reliable Sources Daily – a new expansion of his nightly e-newsletter, podcast and Sunday show on CNN. He’ll take a critical look at the media, how the news is made and why it matters to you. This show is your most reliable source in the quickly evolving world of media, business and entertainment. New episodes debut at 11 am ET.
The Source with Kasie Hunt: Get a fresh take on politics with CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt, as she travels around the nation’s capital to dissect the power structures behind policies impacting communities across the country. Join Hunt for exclusive, illuminating interviews, in-depth analysis and straightforward insights for both seasoned news junkies and political novices. New episodes debut at 4 pm ET.
The Global Brief with Bianca Nobilo: The Global Brief with Bianca Nobilo an incisive look at the most important international news stories in the last 24 hours – providing unrivaled depth and quality for busy CNN Plus viewers in a fast-moving world. New episodes debut at 5 pm ET.
Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?: Join CNN Plus Anchor Chris Wallace, one of the most highly-respected journalists of our time, in candid conversations with prominent individuals across the spectrum of news, sports, entertainment, art and culture. Wallace moves outside of politics to include his wide range of interests – from interviews to conversations, and from headlines to smart, sensible, in-depth discussions. He seeks light, not heat. New episodes debut at 6 pm ET.
The Newscast with Wolf Blitzer: CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer gives it to you straight, hitting the headlines you need to know on this traditional evening newscast with a sleek, modern twist. The old-school nostalgic approach featuring original reporting from around the world, investigations and consumer focused stories that matter helps put the latest headlines in perspective. New episodes debut at 7:30 pm ET.

Weekly programming:

Anderson Cooper Full Circle: CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper hosts a twice-weekly show that features Cooper interviewing authors, entertainers, mindfulness experts and community leaders while highlighting the stories happening outside of Washington. Previously available exclusively on CNN Digital properties, the show also answers viewer questions and shares uplifting stories submitted by fans. New episodes Tuesdays and Saturdays starting March 29.
Boss Files with Poppy Harlow: What does it take to be the boss? CNN Anchor Poppy Harlow gets the answers from the biggest names in business. Sit in on intimate conversations and confessions from today’s most influential leaders and learn how personal and professional struggles helped them forge a path to success. New episodes on Mondays at launch.
Jake Tapper’s Book Club: Read between the lines with CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper as he interviews a diverse roster of newsmaking authors and a few of his all-time favorites. Find out the story behind their bestselling and critically acclaimed books and add more to your reading list along the way. New episodes on Sundays starting at launch.
Parental Guidance with Anderson Cooper: New dad, CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper gets parenting advice from experts as he navigates life as a working parent. Anderson confronts everyday challenges from sleep schedules to screen time to audience questions about relatable daily struggles. New episodes on Wednesdays starting at launch.
No Mercy No Malice with Scott Galloway: Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and business professor Scott Galloway isn’t afraid to make bold predictions and hold the powerful accountable. His unapologetic take is essential viewing for anyone interested in how business, tech and society intersect. Prepare to be enlightened and entertained. New episodes on Tuesdays starting at launch.
The Don Lemon Show: Make your voice heard in this weekly talk show, a brand new format for the news veteran. There are no limits to the conversation as CNN Anchor Don Lemon and his studio audience take on the most talkable news stories each week. New episodes on Fridays starting in April.
Rex Chapman: He’s celebrated the highs of NBA stardom, rebounded from the lows of opioid addiction, and reinvented himself through social media. If anyone can find the silver lining in today’s toughest headlines, it’s Rex Chapman. He brings heart and positivity to conversations with celebrities, athletes and everyday heroes. New episodes on Mondays starting in April.
20 Questions with Audie Cornish: Acclaimed journalist and CNN Anchor Audie Cornish has 20 questions for her guests, who range from newsmakers to cultural icons. Her passion for the art of storytelling will be on display with in-depth conversations that bring a fresh approach to the stories and issues that matter. Starting in May.
Cari & Jemele: Speak.Easy.: Co-hosts Jemele Hill & Cari Champion toast and roast the stories that have everyone talking. From the biggest headlines in sports, politics and culture, they’ll tell you how they see it. Starting in May.
Christiane Amanpour: One of the world’s most accomplished international correspondents will bring her years of experience and unique global perspective to CNN Plus. Start date TBD.
Masters in Medicine with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Make a weekly appointment with CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, as he takes you to mini-med school and helps you discover the tools to master your own health. Start date TBD.

CNN Original Series and CNN Films:

The Land of the Giants: Titans of Tech: This five-part series investigates the meteoric rise of Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google. Based on the podcast from Recode by Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network, this timely documentary series explores the full and complicated history of these organizations, from their humble beginnings to their present-day standing as global powerhouses. Combining rarely seen archival footage and exclusive interviews from experts and tech insiders, this series illuminates new insights in their origin stories with a focus on their iconic founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Reed Hastings, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. All episodes of Land of Giants: Titans of Tech will be available to stream at launch.
The Murdochs: Empire of Influence: This six-part series explores the legacy of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the dynasty he built. Featuring exclusive reporting from The New York Times, interviews with people who worked inside the Murdoch companies, and decades of rich archival footage, this series – in partnership with The New York Times and Left/Right – goes behind the scenes of the improbable rise of a media tycoon, his outsized political influence around the globe and the intense succession battle among his children over who will inherit his throne. Cinematic and thrilling, all episodes of The Murdochs: Empire of Influence will be available to stream at launch.
DIONNE WARWICK: Don’t Make Me Over: CNN Films offers a deeply personal, intimate portrait of the velvet-voiced songstress that yields new insights into Dionne Warwick’s rise to music superstardom. From singing in her grandfather’s church, to her six-Grammy® Award winning career, to her life beyond the lights, Warwick has stood up to discrimination in America, and used her voice for her art and to bring positive change and compassion around the world. Produced, directed and written by Dave Wooley, and directed by David Heilbroner, DIONNE WARWICK: Don’t Make Me Over will premiere on CNN Plus this spring.
The Last Movie Stars: A lush and celebratory epic, revealed in a six-chapter CNN Film, The Last Movie Stars, explores the lives and love story of actors Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman. Directed by Ethan Hawke, and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, the enigmatic stars, and those closest to them, granted interviews decades ago that were transcribed and now voiced by contemporary actors including George Clooney, Oscar Isaac, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Laura Linney for the film. Sally Field, Melanie Griffith and others interviewed about the pair discuss their legacy on film and extraordinary philanthropy. The Last Movie Stars will premiere on CNN Plus this summer.