Is Gayle King leaving CBS Mornings? Here’s the truth behind the co-anchor’s future at the network
Gayle King on January 9, 2024. Image Credit: Mary Kouw/CBS
In what could mark the end of a television era, Gayle King is reportedly preparing to exit her role as co-anchor of “CBS Mornings”, following more than a decade as the face of the network’s flagship morning program.
Sources told Variety that King’s contract is set to expire in May 2026, and she may transition into a new role within CBS News, possibly developing her own projects under the newly merged Paramount-Skydance leadership.
However, CBS News quickly denied that any final decision has been made, insisting that King remains “a truly valued part of CBS.”
CBS Responds: “No Discussions Have Taken Place”
After Variety’s report gained traction online, CBS issued a clarification to PEOPLE, emphasizing that Gayle King’s contract runs through May 2026 and no formal talks about her departure have begun.
“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a network spokesperson stated. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS, and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
The network’s comments appear aimed at calming speculation as CBS undergoes a major corporate and editorial overhaul under Skydance Media, which recently acquired Paramount for $8 billion.
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Inside the CBS News Overhaul Under Skydance
King’s potential move comes amid sweeping layoffs and program cancellations across the network. CBS recently announced the end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and confirmed that John Dickerson would be leaving “CBS Evening News.”
The network also cut ties with Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, co-anchors of “CBS Saturday Morning,” along with several senior correspondents including Lisa Ling and Nikki Battiste.
Paramount’s new ownership under David Ellison and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss has signaled a push for “more balanced, apolitical news coverage.” King’s future role will likely depend on how that strategy reshapes the CBS News identity.
A Morning-TV Icon at a Crossroads
Gayle King joined CBS in 2011, helping to rebrand “CBS This Morning” (now “CBS Mornings”) and bringing journalistic credibility and warmth to the struggling show. Over 14 years, she has become one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in morning television, often praised for her calm, incisive interviewing style.
Her defining moments include the viral 2019 interview with R. Kelly, in which she maintained composure as the singer erupted in anger, and her 2025 Blue Origin space flight, which symbolized her enduring curiosity and cultural relevance.
Still, despite her popularity, “CBS Mornings” continues to trail behind ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “Today.” The show averaged 1.8 million viewers in late October, compared to nearly 2.7 million for both rivals.
Will Gayle King Stay or Go?
Insiders say moving King would be risky. Morning television thrives on trust and familiarity, and any perception that she was pushed out could alienate loyal viewers.
Historically, abrupt anchor transitions have hurt networks, as seen when NBC’s “Today” faced backlash after Ann Curry’s controversial departure. CBS executives are reportedly aware of those precedents and may seek to keep King within the CBS family in a production or leadership role.
Gayle King’s Legacy and Next Chapter
Beyond journalism, Gayle King has played a pivotal role in maintaining CBS’s relationship with Oprah Winfrey, her longtime friend and former business partner. She also remains one of the few Black women to anchor a major network morning show, a legacy that resonates amid industry-wide calls for diversity and representation.
Whether she chooses to continue behind the desk or pursue new creative ventures, King’s influence on morning TV is undeniable.
FAQ
1. Is Gayle King leaving “CBS Mornings”?
Reports from Variety suggest that Gayle King may depart as co-anchor when her contract ends in May 2026, but CBS has denied confirming any such plan.
2. What did CBS say about Gayle King’s future?
CBS said, “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026. She’s a valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
3. When does Gayle King’s CBS contract expire?
Her current contract ends in May 2026, according to network insiders.
4. Why are there rumors about Gayle King leaving CBS?
The speculation follows corporate restructuring under Paramount Skydance, which has led to major layoffs and programming changes across CBS News.
5. What will Gayle King do next?
She may move into a production or development role, creating new shows for CBS under the Skydance ownership.
6. Who could replace Gayle King on “CBS Mornings”?
No replacement has been announced, but internal CBS sources say discussions are ongoing about the show’s future format and talent lineup.
7. How long has Gayle King been at CBS News?
She joined “CBS This Morning” in 2011, marking 14 years at the network by 2025.
8. What are the major changes happening at CBS News?
CBS is undergoing a broad restructuring, canceling The Late Show, reducing staff, and shifting toward more “apolitical” coverage under new leadership.
9. How has Gayle King influenced CBS Mornings?
King revitalized CBS’s morning franchise with her calm, incisive interviewing and became one of America’s most respected morning hosts.
10. Will Gayle King remain on television?
Even if she steps away from the anchor desk, she’s expected to stay within the CBS/Paramount ecosystem, possibly leading new projects or specials.