At a time when viral reels and social media advice increasingly shape lifestyle choices, there is a growing need for a ‘credible, one-stop destination’ that offers verified information on health-related issues. To address this growing need, CNN-News18, India’s most-watched English news channel, is launching a new weekend show, News18 Health Matters, starting 14th March 2026. The show will serve as a trusted platform for viewers seeking evidence-based discussions and reliable guidance on health and wellness.
India is currently witnessing a major health transition. Lifestyle diseases are affecting people at increasingly younger ages, stress and lack of sleep have become normalised, and health decisions are often influenced more by viral trends than verified medical advice. Not everything viral is medically valid, and not every trend is safe. CNN-News18’s Health Matters aims to bridge this gap by separating fact from fad and providing viewers with credible, science-backed insights, reinforcing the central idea of the show: “Trending ≠ Truth.”
The half-hour program will be anchored by Hem Kaur Saroya and Himani Chandna and will air every weekend on Saturdays at 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM, and Sundays at 10:30 AM. The show will also stream on CNN-News18’s YouTube channel.
Each episode will focus on practical, highly relevant topics affecting modern lifestyles. These include the rise in heart attacks among people under 40, the overuse of protein supplements and hidden kidney risks, the increasing rush toward weight-loss drugs, and the widespread overuse of painkillers. The show will also examine concerns such as stress-related disorders, screen addiction, chronic sleep deprivation, falling fertility rates, and the increasing prevalence of thyroid, diabetes, and blood pressure conditions.
Talking about the new launch, Rahul Shivshankar, Editorial Affairs Director, said, “With Health Matters, CNN-News18 aims to cut through the noise and empower viewers with clear, expert-led conversations grounded in science and medical evidence. At a time when viral trends increasingly influence lifestyle choices, it is important to distinguish between what is trending and what is truly beneficial for long-term health. This show is an extension of our commitment to journalism that informs, empowers and helps viewers make better decisions.”
Adding to it, Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, said, “With growing public interest in wellness and preventive health, Health Matters strengthens CNN-News18’s commitment to programming that addresses issues impacting people’s everyday lives. Centred around the idea of “Trending ≠ Truth,” the show reflects our responsibility to bring credible, verified information to audiences and make reliable health conversations more accessible in an increasingly crowded information space.”
With the launch of Health Matters, CNN-News18 once again reaffirms its commitment to bringing issues that matter to its viewers in a thoughtful and informed manner. In a world filled with quick fixes and viral advice, the show seeks to offer something more enduring: clarity, credibility, and the confidence to make better health choices.
