What To Know
- Elisabeth Hasselbeck will guest-host CBS Mornings next week.
- Her appearance signals a shift toward more lifestyle and pop culture content.
- The move comes as CBS Mornings seeks to boost its ratings.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck is trying out a new gig as she prepares to guest-host CBS Mornings next week, with CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss reportedly eyeing the conservative commentator as a possible addition to the program.
According to Variety, the former View host will serve as a special guest host on CBS Mornings from Monday through Wednesday alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson. Her appearance is reportedly part of a series of on-air tryouts as CBS News looks to revamp its morning programming. Sources who spoke to Variety said Hasselbeck is expected to appear throughout the first half of next week as the network evaluates potential changes to the show’s format and lineup.
She will participate during the program’s 8 am hour, discussing parenting, pop culture, and other lifestyle topics.
Hasselbeck is a bit of an unconventional choice for the CBS morning show, as the program has traditionally focused on serious news and longer interviews, but that style has been changing in recent years, especially under CBS News president Tom Cibrowski, who previously worked on Good Morning America, a show known for covering more entertainment news and pop culture.
Several other personalities are also expected to take part in the on-air auditions as CBS News looks for the right long-term fit. Along with Hasselbeck, network regulars including Vladimir Duthiers and Adriana Diaz are expected to fill in as guest hosts (per Variety).
CBS Mornings is currently anchored by the duo of King and Nate Burleson, ever since Tony Dokoupil was promoted to CBS Evening News.
The move is geared to boost ratings as CBS Mornings has been trailing behind its competitors. This week, the morning news show averaged 1.693 million total viewers and 285,000 demo viewers for the week of June 1, compared with ABC News’ Good Morning America that averaged 2.702 million total viewers and 470,000 demo viewers, and top spot holder Today with an average this week of 2.928 million total viewers and 640,000 demo viewers.
CBS Mornings, Weekdays, 7 am, CBS