Gayle King Expected to Step Down as ‘CBS Mornings’ Anchor in 2026
Gayle King, the veteran journalist and central figure of CBS News’ morning programming for over a decade, is expected to step down from her role as co-anchor of CBS Mornings next year. The anticipated departure, confirmed by four individuals with knowledge of the situation, is part of a broader strategic overhaul currently underway at CBS News.
King, who first joined the network in 2012, is widely considered the face of the broadcast, which has gone through several iterations—including CBS This Morning and its current format, CBS Mornings. While she is expected to conclude her daily anchoring duties when her current contract expires in 2026, sources indicate she will remain a prominent fixture at the network, transitioning into a role focused on high-profile interviews and specials.
The Shift to Long-Form Content and Specials
The expected transition aligns with King’s demonstrated strengths and recent focus on long-form, impactful journalism. Rather than leaving CBS News entirely, the plan is to leverage her star power and interviewing prowess in a capacity that requires less daily commitment.
King is expected to continue contributing to the network through:
- High-Profile Interviews: Conducting major sit-downs with newsmakers, politicians, and celebrities, similar to her acclaimed interviews with figures like R. Kelly.
- Prime-Time Specials: Hosting limited-run series or special reports that capitalize on her broad appeal.
- SiriusXM Commitment: Continuing her daily radio show, Gayle King in the House, on the SiriusXM platform, which is also owned by Paramount Global.
This shift allows King, who is currently 70, to maintain a significant presence at the network while stepping back from the grueling early-morning schedule required of a daily anchor.
Context: The CBS News Strategic Overhaul
King’s expected departure comes as Wendy McMahon, President and CEO of CBS News and Stations, continues to reshape the division. McMahon, who took the helm in 2021, has prioritized streamlining operations and maximizing profitability across the news division.
The morning news slot—or “daypart”—is notoriously competitive and expensive. Despite King’s star power and the critical acclaim the show often receives, CBS Mornings consistently trails its rivals, NBC’s Today and ABC’s Good Morning America, in the crucial ratings battle.
The network is reportedly looking to recalibrate the morning broadcast, potentially focusing on a less star-driven, more news-focused format that is financially sustainable and competitive in the long term. The decision regarding King’s role is seen by insiders as a strategic move to optimize resources and talent placement.
The Morning Show Lineup
King currently co-anchors CBS Mornings alongside Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson. The network has not yet announced who would replace King, but the search for a new anchor will be a critical decision for McMahon and the news leadership team, as they seek to define the next generation of the broadcast.
King’s involvement has been central to the show’s identity, particularly since the 2017 departure of Charlie Rose amid sexual harassment allegations. She anchored the show through that crisis and subsequent lineup changes, including the brief tenure of Norah O’Donnell before O’Donnell moved to the CBS Evening News.
“Gayle King has been the bedrock of our morning news operation for over a decade, navigating significant changes with grace and journalistic integrity,” said one source close to the network leadership. “While the daily commitment is changing, her voice and presence remain invaluable to CBS News.”
A Decade of Dominance and Challenge
King’s tenure, which began in January 2012, marked one of the most sustained attempts by CBS to challenge the morning news duopoly held by NBC and ABC. While the show, particularly in its CBS This Morning iteration, often earned praise for its serious journalistic approach and focus on hard news, it struggled to translate critical acclaim into consistent ratings victories.
Her presence brought instant credibility and a high degree of celebrity access, largely due to her close friendship with Oprah Winfrey. This combination of serious journalism and celebrity appeal made her a unique asset in the competitive morning landscape.
Key Milestones During King’s Tenure
- 2012: Joined the show, then CBS This Morning, alongside Charlie Rose and Erica Hill.
- 2017: Remained the anchor through the fallout of the Rose scandal, providing stability during a turbulent period.
- 2019: The show was rebranded and moved to the new ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) headquarters in Times Square.
- 2021: The show was relaunched as CBS Mornings and moved to a new studio in Times Square, adding Nate Burleson to the lineup.
What This Means for CBS News
King’s expected shift represents a significant turning point for CBS News. It signals a move away from relying on a single, high-profile anchor to drive the morning ratings and toward a potentially younger, more ensemble-driven cast, or a format that emphasizes efficiency and news delivery over celebrity star power.
For King, the move allows her to focus on the type of impactful, long-form journalism where she excels, while maintaining her relationship with the network until her contract concludes in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Expected Departure: Gayle King is expected to step down as co-anchor of CBS Mornings when her contract expires in 2026.
- Future Role: She will remain at CBS News, focusing on high-profile interviews, specials, and long-form content.
- Context: The move is part of a larger strategic overhaul led by CBS News President Wendy McMahon to streamline operations.
- Impact: King has anchored the CBS morning show for over 13 years, providing stability and journalistic credibility.
- Succession: The network faces the crucial task of finding a replacement to anchor alongside Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson.
The Road Ahead for the Morning Daypart
The competition in morning television remains fierce. CBS News leadership will be closely monitoring the performance of CBS Mornings as they plan for the 2026 transition. The network must determine whether to seek another established star or promote internal talent to fill the void left by King, all while balancing journalistic ambition with the commercial realities of the highly competitive morning time slot.
Original author: Matt Donnelly
Originally published: October 30, 2025
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