LONGTIME colleagues Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon teamed up to launch The Handoff podcast via Amazon.
The two former CNN anchors are friends off-camera but the future of their aforementioned show remains uncertain.
What is The Handoff podcast with Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon?
The idea for Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo's The Handoff podcast came from the pair's conversations as Cuomo Prime Time transitioned into Don Lemon Tonight.
In a press release, the network stated: "Each night during the primetime hours of CNN’s television programming, viewers witness the deep love, honest candor, and respect that these two anchors - and friends - have for one another in their unscripted 'handoff' conversations between shows.
"Now, with no broadcast clock to hold them back, they are stepping out from behind their anchor desks to come together and ignite even more personal and hot-topic conversations. Nothing is off limits."
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Lemon said about the podcast: "If you want unscripted, honest conversations about what matters, what you’re talking about, the way you talk about it — then listen to this podcast.
"If you are easily offended, then this is definitely the podcast for you. We’re going to toughen you up.
"If you’re not easily offended, then this is the podcast for you," he shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
Cuomo chimed in and commented: "Why does the chat between Don and me get so much attention? Why has it become must-see TV with lots of people tuning in? This podcast is the answer.
"It is all real thoughts and questions and disagreements that are often glossed over in the media."
On June 24, 2021, The Handoff's first episode was released via Apple Podcasts.
The Handoff's last episode to date was made available on November 22 of the same year.
The podcast is still available to stream through Amazon Music.
When were Cuomo and Lemon fired from CNN?
On December 4, 2021, Cuomo was fired from CNN after reports suggested he assisted in his brother Andrew's defense against sexual harassment allegations.
At the time, the network revealed: "Chris Cuomo was suspended earlier this week pending further evaluation of new information that came to light about his involvement with his brother’s defense.
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"We retained a respected law firm to conduct the review, and have terminated him, effective immediately.
"Based on the report we received regarding Chris’s conduct with his brother’s defense, we had cause to terminate.
"When new allegations came to us this week, we took them seriously and saw no reason to delay taking immediate action."
Regarding his termination, Cuomo responded: "This is not how I want my time at CNN to end but I have already told you why and how I helped my brother.
"So let me now say as disappointing as this is, I could not be more proud of the team at Cuomo Prime Time and the work we did as CNN’s #1 show in the most competitive time slot.
"I owe them all and will miss that group of special people who did really important work."
Almost a year and a half later, Lemon departed the network as well.
On April 24, 2023, he revealed his employment was terminated.
"I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned," the former CNN This Morning host shared on Twitter.
He further mentioned: "After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.
"At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network.
"It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run.
"They are the most talented journalists in the business and I wish them all the best."
CNN countered: "Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate.
"He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter."
