CNN replacing Piers Morgan with specials

NEW YORK -- CNN is abandoning the talk show that anchored its prime-time schedule for three decades with Larry King and Piers Morgan in favor of documentarylike series with personalities such as Anthony Bourdain, Mike Rowe and John Walsh.

Morgan Spurlock's "Inside Man" series will be part of that mix. Other programs in that time slot include "Somebody's Gotta Do It," where former "Dirty Jobs" host Rowe will profile people with unusual professions.

Walsh, host of "America's Most Wanted," will do a show on criminal investigations. Lisa Ling will host "Our America," in which she immerses herself in American subcultures.

CNN will also air "The Jesus Code," a documentary described as an archaeological journey through the Bible. A 10-part series on "The Sixties" that Tom Hanks is behind is also expected to air in that time slot.

"The seamless integration of original series and live news coverage, which has been on display the last two months, is the foundation of our new prime-time lineup," said Jeff Zucker, CNN Worldwide president.

CNN had been seeing some historically low ratings earlier this year until the Malaysian airliner went missing several weeks ago. Coverage of that story has since dominated the network, dramatically improving the ratings.

Current shows hosted by Erin Burnett and Anderson Cooper will remain in CNN's evening lineup, Zucker said.

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