Gayle King, Charles Barkley explain to Stephen Colbert their CNN show's 'fluid approach' on current events
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', Gayle King and Charles Barkley opened up about their new CNN show, 'King Charles', and the unlikely partnership that led to its creation.
The duo, known for their candid and unfiltered perspectives, shed light on the show's premise and their dynamic working relationship.
A unique approach to current affairs
When asked about the essence of 'King Charles', Barkley emphasized the show's unique format, stating, "The cool thing about our show is whatever's happening in the world. We're not doing canned pieces; we're going to talk about what's happening. It's fluid, it changes all the time."
King chimed in, adding, "We cover a range of topics from politics and sports to pop culture, music, and even incidents like the recent door flying off a plane. People do dumb [bleep] all the time, and we're not afraid to talk about it."
Navigating the 24-hour news cycle
The hosts highlighted the show's weekly schedule, giving them the flexibility to discuss current events within a constantly evolving 24-hour news cycle.
Barkley emphasized, "I never have to worry about having stuff to talk about because people do dumb [bleep] all the time." King jokingly added, "That's a quote. I know they'll bleep that out."
An unfiltered partnership
Colbert addressed the rumored tension between the hosts, stating, "According to the internet, you two hate each other." King promptly clarified, "He's unapologetically himself. He believes in what he says and doesn't say things just to be provocative. I like that."
Barkley chimed in, joking about their supposed animosity, "Already on the internet, there are stories about us at each other's throats. She's worried about what I'm going to say, and I'm worried about what she's going to say."
Off-screen dynamics
When asked about their off-screen relationship, King and Barkley revealed that they do get along despite internet rumors. King shared a humorous anecdote about attempting to take Barkley to a Broadway play, which he found "boring". Barkley, in return, offered to take King golfing, a sport she deemed equally dull.
The secret meeting that sealed the deal
The hosts disclosed the behind-the-scenes story of how 'King Charles', came to be. Barkley initially resisted the idea of taking on another TV job but was intrigued when pitched the concept of partnering with King. A secret meeting ensued, resulting in Barkley's willingness to consider the project with King.
King revealed, "I wasn't looking for another job. We both like to talk, and I thought it would be fun." Barkley added, "I didn't want to do it, but I'd consider it with Gayle." The secret meeting ultimately led to the creation of "King Charles."
As the interview concluded, the hosts invited viewers to catch 'King Charles', airing on Wednesday nights on CNN. Despite initial reluctance, the chemistry between King and Barkley promises a dynamic and engaging take on the world's current events.
