Norah O'Donnell is going back to 'CBS Mornings.' Career experts say boomerangs come with baggage

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Published: 2026-09-07T07:27:01.441Z • Permanent link

Norah O'Donnell is set to return to CBS Mornings, marking a significant career pivot for the veteran journalist. O'Donnell, who left the morning show in 2019, will now be joining the network as a correspondent, according to sources. Her return is seen as a bold move, given the competitive landscape of morning television and the changing media landscape.

O'Donnell's departure from CBS Mornings was met with a mixed reaction from colleagues and viewers alike. Her time on the show was marked by high-profile interviews with world leaders, including former President Barack Obama and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Her departure was reportedly amicable, with O'Donnell citing a desire to explore new opportunities in journalism.

CBS Mornings has undergone significant changes since O'Donnell's departure, with the show's current anchor, Gayle King, facing increased scrutiny over her handling of sensitive topics. O'Donnell's return is seen as a strategic move by CBS, aiming to revitalize the morning show and attract new viewers.

O'Donnell's return to CBS Mornings has significant implications for the Data Sources domain. The show's audience is a key demographic for many companies, including advertising giants like Google and Facebook. A shift in the show's lineup could lead to increased competition for these companies, potentially impacting their ad revenue and influence.

The research community is also likely to be affected by O'Donnell's return, as she has a reputation for producing high-quality, in-depth reporting. Her involvement in the show could lead to increased scrutiny of the morning television format, potentially prompting changes in the way news is presented and consumed.

CBS Mornings is one of the most-watched morning shows in the US, with a combined audience of over 5 million viewers per week. A shift in the show's lineup could lead to increased competition for other morning shows, potentially impacting the overall ratings landscape.