Actors on Actors Season 23: CNN Streaming Debut Date & Details

The landscape of awards season coverage is shifting, with a significant partnership between CNN and Variety. The 23rd season of Variety’s acclaimed interview franchise, Actors on Actors, will now be co-produced by the two media giants, marking the first time the series will air on CNN. The rollout begins December 5, with episodes debuting for CNN streaming subscribers before becoming available across Variety’s digital channels.

This collaboration represents a strategic move for both organizations. For CNN, it’s a clear attempt to bolster its streaming offering with high-profile, culturally relevant content. Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide, emphasized the series’ impact, stating that Actors on Actors has become a defining driver of the cultural and awards conversation and Variety has built a truly singular format. These interviews exemplify the contemporary, conversation-driven programming that resonates deeply with CNN viewers. The addition of Actors on Actors aligns with CNN’s broader effort to attract and retain subscribers in a competitive streaming market.

Variety, meanwhile, expands the reach of its already successful franchise to a wider audience through CNN’s established platform. Ramin Setoodeh, Variety’s co-editor in chief and co-president, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that We are thrilled to bring Variety’s Actors on Actors to CNN, the perfect partner for our award-winning series. He also highlighted the quality of the upcoming season, promising some of the most revelatory, intimate and hilarious moments yet. The expanded distribution will undoubtedly amplify the series’ influence during awards season.

The Actors on Actors format is unique in its approach to celebrity interviews. Rather than the traditional one-on-one with a journalist, the series pairs actors for candid conversations about their craft, process, and the roles that are generating awards buzz. This peer-to-peer dynamic often elicits more insightful and unguarded responses than conventional interviews, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the minds of Hollywood’s leading performers. The series has garnered an Emmy® Award, solidifying its reputation for quality and innovation.

The timing of this partnership is particularly noteworthy. The entertainment industry is undergoing a period of significant disruption, with the rise of streaming services, evolving audience habits, and ongoing labor negotiations reshaping the business. The collaboration between a traditional news organization like CNN and a leading entertainment trade publication like Variety signals a recognition of the need for cross-platform partnerships to navigate this changing landscape. It also reflects a growing demand for behind-the-scenes content that provides context and insight into the creative process.

Beyond the immediate impact of the 23rd season, the partnership suggests a potential long-term relationship between CNN and Variety. A selection of episodes from previous seasons are already available to stream for CNN subscribers, indicating a commitment to building a library of Actors on Actors content on the platform. This could pave the way for future collaborations on other projects, further blurring the lines between news and entertainment.

The announcement also comes amidst a broader trend of CNN investing in original programming to attract viewers and establish itself as a destination for more than just breaking news. The network has been expanding its slate of documentaries, original series, and town hall events, aiming to appeal to a wider range of interests. Actors on Actors fits neatly into this strategy, offering a compelling and engaging alternative to traditional news coverage.

Notably, CNN and Variety also announced a special town hall conversation event featuring Timothée Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey, further demonstrating the synergy between the two brands. While details of the town hall are limited, it underscores the commitment to delivering high-profile, exclusive content to audiences. This event, alongside the Actors on Actors partnership, positions CNN as a key player in the entertainment conversation.

The 23rd season of Actors on Actors promises to be a significant one, not only for its content but also for the innovative partnership that brings it to audiences. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this will likely become increasingly common, as media organizations seek to leverage each other’s strengths and reach new viewers. The series will be available on the CNN app and on YouTube.com/Variety, starting December 5.