Gayle King is reportedly set to depart from her role as co-anchor of ‘CBS Mornings’ next year, as CBS News undergoes significant internal changes under new leadership. Her expected exit coincides with the expiration of her contract in May 2026 and may lead to a transition into a new position within the network.
Gayle King has been a central figure in CBS’s morning programming since 2011, when the show was originally titled ‘CBS This Morning’ before its rebranding to ‘CBS Mornings’ in 2021. Throughout her tenure, she has co-hosted alongside Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil, becoming one of the most recognizable anchors in broadcast news. Her potential departure marks a pivotal moment for the program, which has faced challenges with ratings in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in the media landscape.
According to reports from Variety and confirmed by sources to Page Six and the New York Post, King’s current contract with CBS is scheduled to expire in May 2026, and she is not expected to renew her anchor role. Insiders indicate that this decision is linked to extensive organizational restructuring at CBS News, driven by the appointment of Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief. Weiss has initiated sweeping reforms, including budget cuts and layoffs, as part of a major overhaul aimed at revitalizing the network’s operations.
The internal shake-up at CBS News has been described as far-reaching, with approximately 100 layoffs reported, the cancellation of two streaming shows, and the departure of several on-air correspondents. This restructuring is partly a response to Paramount’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which has necessitated cost-cutting measures across the organization. In this context, King’s exit is viewed as part of a larger pattern of high-profile changes, such as the conclusion of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ and the removal of ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor John Dickerson.
Despite the reported departure, King may not be leaving CBS entirely. Sources suggest she could shift to a new role within the network, potentially involving producing her own content, similar to Norah O’Donnell’s transition from anchoring ‘CBS Evening News’ to a senior correspondent position. This move would allow King to continue contributing to CBS News in a different capacity, though no specific plans have been finalized, and discussions about her future have not yet begun.
A CBS News spokesperson addressed the reports, stating that there have been no discussions with King about her contract beyond May 2026 and emphasizing that she remains a valued part of the network. The spokesperson expressed optimism about engaging with her regarding future opportunities, indicating that negotiations or new arrangements could unfold in the coming months. King’s representatives have not provided public comments on the matter, leaving her plans uncertain for now.
The potential exit of Gayle King raises questions about the future direction of ‘CBS Mornings’ and the network’s overall morning show strategy. With ongoing ratings pressures and internal transformations, CBS may be seeking to revamp its lineup to attract a wider audience. Additionally, the shake-up has impacted other programs, including ‘CBS Saturday Morning,’ which is also undergoing changes with co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson reportedly on their way out, further illustrating the scale of the network’s evolution.
In summary, Gayle King’s expected departure from ‘CBS Mornings’ underscores the dynamic changes within CBS News as it navigates new leadership and corporate mergers. While her exact future role is unclear, these developments highlight the volatility in the broadcast industry and the influence of executive decisions on established talent. As the situation develops, viewers and industry insiders will monitor updates closely to understand the long-term implications for CBS and its programming.