NBA legend Charles Barkley recently quipped about his upcoming CNN show with Gayle King, comparing it to boarding the Titanic. During an NHL on TNT pregame show, Barkley mentioned that many people have advised him against joining the network due to its ongoing internal struggles. He jokingly stated that everyone is telling him to "abort" the mission.

Despite the playful jab, Barkley expressed enthusiasm for the project and his partnership with King. The show, titled "King Charles," is scheduled to premiere this fall and will air on Wednesday evenings. It was conceived by former CEO Chris Licht, whose recent departure adds another layer of complexity to CNN's situation.

Earlier this year, Barkley candidly referred to CNN as a "mess" while confirming negotiations for the show. He emphasized his respect for King as a primary motivator for considering the venture. He also clarified that hosting a daily program was never on the table, preferring a weekly format.

Barkley's decision to join CNN comes amid reports of internal dissent, particularly concerning King's rumored salary and the network's recent layoffs. While a CNN spokesperson dismissed the salary rumors as "laughable," the situation underscores the network's continuing challenges. One former CNN producer described the network's frequent primetime lineup changes as rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.