Norah O'Donnell Returns to CBS Mornings Amid Ratings Crisis and Weiss Controversy
Norah O'Donnell is returning to CBS Mornings as a co-host alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson, effective September 8, 2026. The move addresses the program's record-low viewership and initiates a format shift toward live discussion. O'Donnell remains a 60 Minutes correspondent, while her return has sparked debate regarding her relationship with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Key points
- O'Donnell joins Gayle King and Nate Burleson as co-hosts starting September 8, 2026.
- CBS Mornings is being revamped to feature faster pacing and more live interviews.
- The show recently hit record low ratings, averaging 1.57 million viewers in late July.
- O'Donnell remains a full-time correspondent for 60 Minutes.
- Her return has triggered public debate regarding her stance on editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Background
O'Donnell previously co-hosted the program from 2012 to 2019 before anchoring the CBS Evening News. She stepped down from the evening anchor role after the 2024 election. Recent archive coverage highlights the broader shakeup at CBS News under Bari Weiss, including changes to 60 Minutes and political tensions within the network.
How outlets are covering it
The Los Angeles Times and The Guardian emphasize the ratings crisis, noting CBS Mornings drew 1.57 million viewers in late July, far behind NBC and ABC. CBS News focuses on the chemistry between O'Donnell and King, citing internal memos. The Yahoo Entertainment title highlights the controversy surrounding O'Donnell's defense of Bari Weiss, a point not detailed in the other sources but central to the public discourse.
Why it matters
The return of a high-profile anchor signals a strategic pivot for CBS News to compete in the morning news market. It also tests the network's ability to balance political neutrality with commercial viability under new leadership.
What to watch
Viewers will see the new format and O'Donnell's presence on air starting September 8. The network will monitor if the changes improve viewership numbers in the coming months.
- Norah O’Donnell Responds To Viewers Criticizing Bari Weiss Amid Return To CBS Mornings Yahoo
- Norah O’Donnell returns to ‘CBS Mornings’ as co-host Los Angeles Times
- Norah O'Donnell returning as co-host of "CBS Mornings" CBS News
- CBS brings back Norah O’Donnell to co-anchor morning show amid ratings challenges The Guardian
- San Antonio military brat Norah O’Donnell is returning to CBS’ weekday morning show San Antonio Express-News
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