Norah O’Donnell has officially returned to CBS Mornings, marking her new role as co-anchor alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson. The veteran journalist began her tenure on Tuesday, 8th September 2026, in what CBS is calling a significant homecoming for O’Donnell.
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This momentous occasion comes after a seven-year hiatus during which O’Donnell served as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News. Her new role re-establishes her connection with longstanding friend and former co-host Gayle King, with whom she shares a rich history in broadcasting. O’Donnell takes the place previously occupied by Tony Dokoupil, who departed earlier this year to focus on the evening segment of CBS news.
During the live broadcast, O’Donnell expressed her excitement upon stepping back onto the morning show. “Thank you for having me back. It’s great to be here,” she remarked as King welcomed her to the set. Burleson later emphasised that O’Donnell’s presence signals the dawn of a new chapter for the morning programme, underscoring the team’s commitment to making it the best it can be.
Both O’Donnell and King were quick to highlight their connection, both on-screen and off, with King exclaiming, “Norah and I have history, so we are ready to go.” This camaraderie was evident throughout the broadcast, as they reminisced about their years together on CBS This Morning, punctuated by playful banter about how time has treated them. O’Donnell jestingly remarked that they were “aging like fine wine,” a comment that elicited laughter from Burleson.
CBS announced O’Donnell’s return just days before her first appearance on the show. Executive producer Jon Tower likened her comeback to a homecoming, acknowledging the powerful partnership O’Donnell and King built over the years while creating a memorable legacy in the world of morning news.
Reflecting on her transformation since her last stint at CBS Mornings, O’Donnell noted the significant changes in her personal life. “When I last anchored the morning show I had three kids in Montessori school, and this past week I dropped three kids off at college,” she stated, indicating the journey her family has taken during her years away from the morning programme.
O’Donnell first joined CBS This Morning in 2012 and was part of the team until 2019 when she transitioned to lead CBS Evening News. After nearly six years in that role, she stepped down in January 2025, assuming the position of a senior correspondent that allowed her to contribute to various CBS News programming efforts. In addition to her new role on CBS Mornings, she has recently been named a full-time correspondent for the acclaimed programme 60 Minutes and has started a podcast aimed at women’s health.
Over her extensive career at CBS News, O’Donnell has covered significant political events, including eight presidential elections, and has had the opportunity to interview every living U.S. president, marking her prominence in the field. Her notable interview with Pope Francis in 2024 underscored her journalistic prowess, as she became the first American journalist to engage in an extensive televised conversation with the pontiff.
In her current position, O’Donnell is joining a team that has been temporarily anchored by Burleson and King alongside various guest hosts since Dokoupil’s departure. A source close to CBS outlined that King played an active role in the co-host selection process, emphasizing the strong chemistry and complementary skills that both she and O’Donnell bring to the table.
The collaborative dynamic has garnered positive reviews from network executives, who believe that O’Donnell’s wealth of experience, along with King’s exceptional interviewing skills and Burleson’s energetic personality, will create a distinctive morning show format that resonates with audiences. In their eyes, the combined strengths of the trio is poised to offer viewers a well-rounded perspective on various topics.
Continuing into this autumn, CBS Mornings plans to expand its roster by introducing new contributors, signalling an exciting time ahead for the programme. With O’Donnell back on board, viewers can anticipate an invigorating mix of news, interviews, and lively discussions in the weeks and months to come.