CNN renews shows featuring Anthony Bourdain, Mike Rowe, Lisa Ling

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

CNN has renewed three of its original shows not focused on breaking news: a fourth season of Emmy-winning "Parts Unknown" with Anthony Bourdain and second seasons of "Somebody's Gotta Do It" with Mike Rowe and "This is Life" with Lisa Ling.

CNN has been trying to build steadier ratings during fallow breaking news times with shows that have newsy elements to them but are not tied to anything happening now. It's also airing more documentaries from outside companies for the same reason.

All three shows pulled in strong enough ratings to merit renewal, often beating the Fox News and MSNBC among 25-54 year olds, though comparing these programs to regular cable news network shows is a bit odd. The numbers (typically under 1 million viewers) pale in comparison to comparable shows on networks such as Travel, History and A&E but skew younger than regular fare on CNN. For CNN, that's a good thing. The shows generally air on Thursday or Sunday evenings.

There is little doubt CNN will continue to seek more programming of this ilk.

I have not heard the status of 'The Hunt With John Walsh" and am awaiting word from CNN.

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