Elisabeth Hasselbeck will serve as a guest host next week on “CBS Mornings,” according to Variety. She will appear from Monday through Wednesday, contributing to segments focused on parenting and pop culture, as CBS News seeks to revamp the morning show amid declining ratings.
What happened
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, known for her roles on ABC’s “The View” and “Fox & Friends,” is set to take on guest hosting duties for “CBS Mornings” next week. According to two individuals familiar with the situation, her appearances will occur Monday through Wednesday and will likely avoid segments related to hard news or politics. Instead, she is expected to participate in “Talk of the Table” segments, discussing parenting, pop culture, and entertainment.
Other guest hosts may join the program throughout the summer, including “Inside Edition” host Eva Pilgrim. Norah O’Donnell will continue to appear on the show during Wednesday’s telecast. CBS News declined to comment on the guest host strategy, although the network is reportedly exploring various hosting options as “CBS Mornings” faces increased competition.
Why it matters
The changes at “CBS Mornings” arise as ratings have significantly dropped. Recent Nielsen reports indicate that the program averaged about 1.69 million viewers, contrasting sharply with NBC’s “Today,” which attracted nearly 2.98 million viewers. The demographic of viewers aged 25 to 54, crucial for advertisers, averaged just 285,000 for CBS, far below its competitors.
Hasselbeck’s presence may mark a shift in the program’s tone, as her views often diverge from the more neutral stances of other hosts. CBS News appears to be seeking hosts who can introduce diverse perspectives, particularly as editor in chief Bari Weiss aims to address perceived biases within the division.
Background
On May 20, 2026, CBS News announced a restructuring plan for “CBS Mornings” after the exit of its top producer, Shawna Thomas. The program has struggled to define its identity amidst changing viewer preferences and an increasingly competitive landscape among morning news shows.
Since Tony Dokoupil transitioned to anchor “CBS Evening News” earlier this year, “CBS Mornings” has relied primarily on anchors Gayle King and Nate Burleson. The show has attempted to separate itself from its competitors by featuring in-depth discussions while facing ongoing challenges in maintaining viewer engagement.
What’s next
Hasselbeck’s debut as guest host is scheduled for the week of May 29, 2026, with additional guest hosts likely to follow throughout the summer. CBS News continues to explore options to reshape the program and improve its ratings performance.
