Why are there rumors about Gayle King leaving CBS Mornings? Find out key details

Gayle King has been the heart of CBS Mornings for years, and now, some reports are buzzing about whether she is about to say goodbye.

She has been with the show through every rebrand and network shakeup, building a reputation for sharp interviews and smart commentary. But lately, with CBS News making big changes and some top names leaving, talk about Gayle’s future has picked up.

Her possible exit has media talking, with viewers wondering what her leaving might mean for the show and even the network as a whole. There is a mix of official statements, anonymous tips, and the usual rumors that speed up whenever TV news gets a shakeup.

While CBS tries to clear things up, the questions keep coming. So, where does Gayle King actually stand right now? Let’s break it down.

Is Gayle King leaving CBS Mornings? Breaking down the facts

Word started getting around in late October 2025 that Gayle King might be leaving CBS Mornings. Variety picked up the story, saying four people familiar with what is going on behind the scenes tipped them off.

Basically, the word is that King plans to step down as co-anchor when her contract wraps up in May 2026. After that, she could move into a different spot within CBS News or maybe start developing her own show, kind of like what Norah O’Donnell did after leaving CBS Evening News. All this is happening while CBS is already going through some big changes, thanks to the Paramount and Skydance Media merger that is shaking things up.

But CBS News isn’t confirming anything. They say they haven’t talked to King about her contract or what comes next. Her contract is good through May 2026, and CBS put out a statement to Variety:

“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026. She’s a truly valued part of CBS, and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”

Reasons for Gayle King’s potential departure: Mergers, ratings, and network shakeups

The timing here isn’t random. CBS News is in the middle of a big overhaul, thanks to the high-stakes merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media that got the green light earlier this year. Since then, the place has been turned upside down: top execs leaving, new editorial bosses stepping in (with Bari Weiss now calling the shots as editor-in-chief), and waves of layoffs hitting around 2,000 people across the whole company.

With all this going on, people in the industry say there are a few reasons behind the rumors about Gayle King possibly leaving:

Contract and pay: Gayle King’s contract runs through May 2026, and she is reportedly making between $10 and $15 million a year, according to Fox News. CBS keeps saying they value her, but Variety and others point out that her expensive, long-term deal might be under the microscope as the company looks to tighten its belt after the merger.

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Ratings and show performance: Gayle King definitely brings star power and loyalty to CBS Mornings, but the show still trails behind NBC’s Today and ABC’s Good Morning America. Insiders say CBS leaders are itching to try new formats and shake up the on-air lineup to boost those numbers.

Editorial changes: With Bari Weiss joining, CBS News is reportedly aiming for a less partisan stance. There is a talk that the new leadership wants to revamp the morning show as part of a bigger strategy shift.

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