In January 2023, as part of changes to CNN's programming instituted by new president Chris Licht, it was announced that the network planned to re-launch its daytime rolling news blocks with a new format.

On March 1, 2023, it was announced that the programs would be titled CNN News Central, with its morning edition from New York premiering on April 3, 2023, and an afternoon edition anchored from Washington premiering on April 17, 2023.

Its presentation utilizes a "visual-first" approach influenced by CNN special event coverage such as elections, including the extensive use of infographics on video walls in the studio to highlight key points and imagery related to the story being discussed.

ET hour of News Central would be replaced by a new program, The Bulletin with Pamela Brown.

[5] On February 26, 2024, the morning edition of News Central was moved up from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. due to the cancellation of CNN This Morning, and is simulcast on sister network HLN (due to contractual obligations regarding HLN's news content).