It was initially hosted by Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow, and Kaitlan Collins from CNN's New York City studios.

Turnover began in April 2023 with the firing of Lemon from the network, and Collins departing in May 2023 to host the new CNN primetime show The Source.

Chris Licht became the head of CNN in April 2022, succeeding Jeff Zucker following WarnerMedia's merger with Discovery Inc. to form Warner Bros.

"[1] Licht had prior experience with establishing morning shows at his past employers, with a particular emphasis on formats focusing upon panel discussions.

[4] On October 12, it was announced that the show would premiere on November 1 ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, and be titled CNN This Morning.

[9] On August 14, 2023, CNN named Phil Mattingly, who had been the network's chief White House correspondent, as Harlow's permanent co-anchor.

[11][12] On February 26, the morning block of CNN News Central with John Berman, Kate Bolduan, and Sara Sidner was moved up from 9 a.m.