Gayle King is expected to leave ‘CBS Mornings’ in 2025 as CBS considers new roles for her amid the Skydance Media and Paramount Global merger

Gayle King is expected to leave CBS(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

Gayle King, longtime anchor of CBS Mornings, is expected to step away from the program next year, following multiple anchors leaving the show.

King’s contract with CBS News concludes in May 2026, and network executives are exploring options that could transition her away from the anchor desk of CBS Mornings into a production-focused position, according to individuals familiar with the situation.

The potential shift comes as Paramount Global, now controlled by Skydance Media and the Ellison family. “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a CBS News spokesperson told Variety. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”

Recent departures and role changes include former CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell, who transitioned to senior correspondent in January.

Gayle King is a close friend of Oprah Winfrey.(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

This week, CBS announced the cancellation of weekend morning programming, resulting in the exits of co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, executive producer Brian Applegate, and correspondents Lisa Ling and Nikki Battiste.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will also conclude in May, while John Dickerson is departing from CBS Evening News.

Any decision to remove King from morning television carries substantial risk, given that morning show success depends heavily on the audience’s connections with hosts.

NBC’s Today experienced prolonged ratings difficulties after Deborah Norville replaced Jane Pauley in 1989 and again following Ann Curry’s 2012 departure.

Gayle King has been with CBS Morning for over a decade.(Image: (Image: Getty))

CBS Mornings currently trails competitors significantly, averaging 1.8 million viewers for the week ending October 20, according to Nielsen data.

ABC’s Good Morning America led with 2.71 million viewers, while NBC’s Today drew 2.69 million during the same period.

King joined CBS News in November 2011 and began anchoring CBS This Morning in January 2012, establishing a 14-year morning television career. Notably, in 2019 she interviewed R. Kelly and maintained a calm composure as the singer confronted her while denying sexual abuse charges that ultimately led to his imprisonment.

This year, King participated in a Blue Origin space flight with an all-female crew, including Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez.

King’s friendship with Oprah Winfrey has benefited CBS News. She previously divided time between morning show duties and editorial responsibilities at Winfrey’s magazine through Hearst Media.