Gayle King will leave ‘CBS Mornings’ in 2026
*Gayle King is expected to step away from her daily co-anchor role on “CBS Mornings” when her contract ends in May 2026. She has been a mainstay on the show since its 2012 relaunch and remains one of CBS News’ most familiar faces. Rather than leaving CBS entirely, King will transition to a new role focused on special projects and interviews.
This move allows her to stay active at CBS without the demands of daily morning television. It mirrors similar shifts by veteran anchors like Diane Sawyer and Hoda Kotb, who also moved into flexible, high-impact roles, according to NewsNation.
Her new role focuses on big interviews and CBS specials
Insiders say King’s next chapter will include exclusive interviews and primetime specials. She will work on feature projects rather than appearing on air every weekday. This lets CBS continue benefiting from her star power without locking her into daily hosting duties.
The plan is similar to recent deals at the network, like Norah O’Donnell’s shift to special reporting earlier in 2025. King is expected to appear during major news events and one-on-one interviews with public figures.
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Rumors of her exit have swirled since October
Talk of King’s departure began in October 2025 when Variety reported she would leave the anchor desk. CBS News quickly denied the claim, saying no discussions had happened about her contract. King also addressed the rumors in passing, telling TMZ she liked her job and her coworkers.
However, a December 4 report from NewsNation says the deal is quietly moving forward behind the scenes. King has not commented on that specific report, but she acknowledged the buzz during a recent red carpet interview.
Why CBS News is making big internal changes
The network is undergoing a major shake-up after being acquired by Skydance Media in August 2025. The deal led to over 1,000 layoffs across CBS, including longtime anchors and correspondents. Under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, CBS is moving toward apolitical content and budget-friendly formats.
Ratings for “CBS Mornings” have fallen behind rivals, averaging just 1.8 million viewers daily. By shifting King into a more targeted role, CBS hopes to refresh its morning strategy while keeping her on board.
Gayle King’s legacy at CBS spans over a decade
King joined CBS in 2011 after working with Oprah Winfrey on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “O, The Oprah Magazine.” She brought a strong celebrity network to the newsroom and helped modernize the tone of morning TV. Her leadership was especially key during difficult periods, including the exit of former co-anchor Charlie Rose.
Her current salary is reported to be between $10 million and $15 million per year. Over the years, she became known for her ability to balance hard news and emotional interviews.
Social media reacts to Gayle King’s rumored transition
The NewsNation report quickly gained traction online, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Fans speculated about what Gayle might do next, with guesses ranging from Oprah-backed specials to podcast projects. Some noted her SiriusXM show “Gayle King in the House” as a possible launchpad for future content.
Despite the rumors, no official statement has been made by CBS or King as of December 5, 2025. Still, insiders suggest the decision is mutual and signals a graceful shift, not a forced departure.
What’s next for Gayle King after leaving the anchor desk?
If the reports are true, King will likely step into a flexible, high-profile position within CBS News. She could host limited series, lead major interviews, or even executive-produce content across CBS platforms. Her friendship with Oprah and media connections give her many options for her next chapter.
As she enters this new role, King will join a growing number of veteran journalists moving away from daily TV. Her influence at CBS will remain strong, even as she trades early mornings for primetime specials.
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