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5 Good Things: The Superfans are Ready for the NBA Finals
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CNN 5 Good Things

How about a break — for your ears? At CNN, we know the news can be a lot to take in. So each week, 5 Good Things offers you a respite from the heavy headlines and intense news cycle. Treat yourself to something fun and uplifting every Saturday as we share the bright side of life from all over the globe.

The Superfans are Ready for the NBA Finals CNN 5 Good Things
The NBA Finals have begun – we hear from some of the teams’ most devoted fans. A promising new pancreatic cancer treatment is giving doctors and patients hope. These nature-loving neighbors in California are celebrating a special milestone. This teacher went the distance for his students with disabilities before he retired – literally. Plus, meet the search-and-rescue specialist with whiskers, webbed feet and a growing fan base.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
Jun 6, 2026
 The Firsts, Fastest, and Most-Evers on Everest CNN 5 Good Things
A sixth grader from Virginia isn’t a sore loser at this year’s Spelling Bee. Several climbers etched their names into the history books this month on the tallest mountain in the world.A 6-year-old from Gloucester, England got creative to raise money for charity in honor of his dog. A Michigan welder is set to make history at the “Olympics of skilled trades.” Plus, scientists may have finally solved the mystery of the T. Rex’s tiny arms.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Chelsea Cook, Coy Wire, Laura Jackson, Isa Soares
May 30, 2026
 The Porch-to-Porch Concert Crawl CNN 5 Good Things
This Massachusetts neighborhood is setting the soundtrack for Memorial Day weekend, one porch at a time. We’re also celebrating World Turtle Day with a turtle whisperer in Florida. A children’s hospital rolled out the red carpet for teen cancer patients. Graduates from a historically Black college in Atlanta are making history together. Plus, we check on America’s favorite feathery power couple and the efforts of elementary school kids to save their nest.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Lisa Wong
May 23, 2026
 A “Ted Lasso” Star Scores A Real-Life Soccer Contract CNN 5 Good Things
Turns out “fútbol is life” wasn’t just a line for this “Ted Lasso” star. A commencement speaker gave graduates more than words of wisdom. We’ll tell you how mountain gorillas rebounded from the brink of extinction. A new children’s book honors the Chinese immigrant behind America’s Famous Bing cherry. Plus, meet the man traveling the world without ever stepping on a plane.    Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
May 16, 2026
 Calling All Moms to the Dance Floor! CNN 5 Good Things
Hear why thousands of moms across the country are lining up for a night out. It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: meet the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. A two-year-old boy who was born profoundly deaf can now hear, thanks to a new FDA-approved gene therapy. An iconic TV personality just turned 100. And, how a community in Idaho celebrated a young leukemia survivor's birthday.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Deborah Brunswick, Hazel Tang, Madeleine Stix, Jim Schiffman, Elliott Proctor
May 9, 2026
 An Off-The-Track Kentucky Derby Comeback CNN 5 Good Things
This stallion season manager is celebrating a second chance at life at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. How one man is keeping a promise to his late grandmother ⁠at full speed.⁠ A family-owned supermarket is taking a page from NPR’s book with its own version of “Tiny Desk concerts.” This ancient "miracle tree" could solve a very modern pollution problem. Plus, meet ⁠the oncologist⁠ bringing life-saving care to places that don’t have it. Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.    Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin
May 2, 2026
 She’s Cancer-Free After Taking This Treatment CNN 5 Good Things
A dad is teaching young boys in his community hard and soft skills for adulthood. A potentially game-changing treatment could help fight one of the deadliest cancers. The answer to the world’s plastic problem could be floating around in the ocean. Meet the woman shattering the glass ceiling in European sports. And just days after an attempted school shooting, students found a way to thank a hero at prom.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Sebastian Shukla
Apr 25, 2026
 A Real-Life Romance from a “Heated Rivalry” CNN 5 Good Things
On one of the biggest stages in music, history was made. A "Heated Rivalry" lookalike contest turned into a real-life rom com. These ecosystem engineers are already hard at work helping combat climate change. This technology allowed a blind man to train and race for a marathon differently. Plus, why basketball fans love the G.O.A.T. debate.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson  Show Runner: Felicia Patinkin  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom  Editorial Support: Jasmine Amjad, Sophie Garnett, Jocelyn Contreras, Erick E. Beltran
Apr 18, 2026
 The Dating Trend That Ditches the Apps CNN 5 Good Things
Some singles are skipping swiping and letting their friends take the lead on their love life. Two first responders thousands of miles apart are now connected forever by a life-saving choice. Two brothers in the Bay Area started a school program that helps families and the planet. A lost border collie was rescued after a hiking trip gone wrong. Plus, one of the most memorable phone numbers in music is being used in a new way.  Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here.   Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin  Editorial Support: Victoria Fleischer
Apr 11, 2026
 The 8-Year-Old Behind Artemis II’s Moon Mascot CNN 5 Good Things
She once worked at this hospital as a janitor – now she’s returning for her residency. The Artemis II mission is historic – hear how an 8-year-old became a part of it. Scientists are seeing a phenomenon for the first time in the wild, and it’s offering new clues about how species can adapt to climate change. A major study examines the role spirituality and religion play in addiction recovery. And a high school freshman made it onto the ballot in this state’s gubernatorial race.  Sign up for the...Show more CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here.  Vote for 5 Good Things for a Webby here. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco  Producer: Eryn Mathewson   Senior Producer: Matt Martinez  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin   Editorial Support: Amanda Swinhart, Giana Asterito
Apr 4, 2026
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