CBS Introduces New Changes to Its Long-Running ‘Evening News’ Program
A new-look CBS Evening News debuted on Monday night (January 27), as the long-running news program did away with many of its traditional elements and introduced new formats.
As with many other evening news broadcasts, such as NBC Nightly News and ABC News’ World News Tonight, the CBS Evening News traditionally had one anchor covering the day’s main headlines. However, the show is now helmed by a bigger team, including several roving reporters, and focusing on fewer stories with more depth.
John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois served as hosts, but rather than rattling through the headlines, they provided longer segments on specific topics, including how the recent California wildfires have created insurance challenges for residents and Chinese intelligence efforts to recruit members of the United States military.
The show also featured segments with roving reports out on location, including Lonnie Quinn providing weather and Margaret Brennan covering Washington and politics.
Back in August 2024, Evening News executive producer Bill Owens shared his plans for the future of the show, telling Variety, “We are removing the clutter. We are not going to be dealing with the things we think people might want to see, and we are going to be about real serious reporting.”
He added, “We are getting back to our beats, listening to our reporters in the field about what they have, not worrying about the headlines online or in the newspapers.”
The changes were ushered in last week when veteran journalist Norah O’Donnell anchored her final episode of Evening News. O’Donnell, who will continue to serve as a senior correspondent across the various CBS News platforms, joined Evening News in July 2019.
“This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast. You know, the CBS Evening News is, for good reason, the longest-running evening newscast in America,” O’Donnell told viewers at the end of Thursday’s (January 23) broadcast.
“It is powered by the finest journalists around the world — the correspondents, producers, researchers, and crews who work tires loosely to bring you the news every night,” she continued. “And that won’t change because journalism matters. I know that because I’ve heard it from so many of you, our viewers.”
Viewers seemed to enjoy the new format, with one YouTube commenter writing, “This was surprisingly good. Very PBS NewsHour meets 60 Minutes meets BBC. Zero sensationalism, no overuse of breaking news, and slower pace.”
“Oh this is a strong format,” said another. “Returning to strong correspondents and long formats in conversationalist tones. This is a return to the beginning of Evening News’ roots as well as employing what worked for ABC News in the Roone Arledge era with World News Tonight.”
Another added, “Thank you for returning CBS to it[s legendary] former and familiar format ! It gives me sense of HOME again, the music, the desk, everything!”
What did you think of the new-look CBS Evening News? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Conversation33 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
B
No, viewers are not enjoying it. The set is almost claustrophobic, it's so dark and closed in. John Dickerson was twitchy and has a really irritating voice. Incredibly distracting with 2 anchors. Where was the news? This seems really forced. After 40 years I will be checking out the other networks tonight.
14
-
G
Trying to get used to this new format. However, I find myself switching over to NBC because the CBS news seems awkward and drawn out with both anchors making inputs to the same news stories. The set also seems small and dark. Both current anchors did a good job out in the field but it seems overkill with both anchoring at the same time. Some joke that it takes 2 guys to replace one woman on the desk.
13
-
O
I think CBS went backwards with this evening news switch, they jump one story to another without going into any detail and leaving viewers wondering what else happened. They are talking fast and seem very uncomfortable. Looks like it took 2 men to do one woman’s job and still below par. Time to switch to Lester on NBC.
6
-
A
I highly agree with this one!
1
-
-
B
Not a fan of the duo anchoring. Already disappointed with CBS when they let Jeff Glor go on Saturday Morning news. Now this. I would prefer either Maurice DuBois or Jericka Duncan for the evening news.
5
-
R
Do not like the new set, all the blue is dark and it seems so much smaller, even claustrophobic. The two anchors are confusing and seem to rush through stories. Much more should have been covered on RFK confirmation hearing today, that was huge news and I expected to see video coverage of it since there was heated questions. You didn't even give it 20-30 seconds! Brutal!!!
5
-
C
Not a fan of the new format. The graphics with the screens for the on site reporters are not always on time when switching over to screen and the anchors end up talking to the empty screen. The graphics that goes from one story to the next gives a strobe-like effect for me and not pleasant. Also the anchor with his glasses holding them and swinging around is very distracting. He is like a stiff straight forward professor.
Loved Nora’s professional dress, demeanor and reporting with a heart is sorely missed. Why does it take two men to do the news?
5
-
C
So now I listen to NBC Lester Holt to get all the headlines and cbs to hear some expanded info on 4 or 5 stories that if heard about on other programs. Just want Who, what, when, where and how in 30 minutes in depth I'll watch 60 minutes. All about get rid of Norah and save some money for your own pockets.
5
-
G
John Dickerson holding his eyeglasses in his left hand the entire show drove me nuts.
2
-
L
absolutely not a fan... will be switching to another network. Interesting how your article above speaks only of praise. I felt quite the opposite, rather than in-depth news, I hear brief segments with no substance. Also, since when is the weather part of world news? Lonnie and both anchors look so out of place. It is obvious that they are being forced to act out in such a a way... as if they are in a play. I am sorry but it is almost annoyingly obnoxious to watch.
I thought it was just perfect before with Nora who appeared real. It was actually the only news that I watched! A true shame.
1
-
R
I was a long time viewer of CBS Evening news. Don't like this new version at all. I gave it a week but I'm leaving it behind. Dueling anchors is awkward and forced. I don't want to have to read scrolling headlines at the bottom of the screen during commercials as a news source for what happened today. I don't know what they were thinking when they went to this format and programming.
1
-
R
Maurice appeared to get less story time than John. I couldn't see a fair division of air time on Monday's and Tuesday's shows.
1
-
G
I don't like the anchors they look like anchors and do not seem comfortable , you have several people who could better , may have change to N B C
1
-
C
These 2 will not get you to where you want to be😉
1
-
G
I liked it. The news seemed more balanced and I heard new information that I had not heard earlier that day.
It was refreshing that you had a reporter at the scene of an Ice arrest & showed what was actually happening, not drama about innocent victims being traumatized & arrested. Great job!!!
1
-
R
Unwatchable. Claustrophobic set, (DC set was beautiful and how much was spent to now abandon it?) small market local news feel, stilted anchor questions, no need for two male anchors, awkward pacing, long talkbacks without supporting visuals. What was that end piece tribute to firefighters? The reboot needs a serious reboot.
1
-
P
It sucks!
1
-
O
i think cbs should do some changes at the top level
1
-
G
I'm not too familiar with duBois, but I think John Dickerson does a good job, very knowledgeable. I'll have to check them out.
1
-
B
These two are so annoying. They are not biased at all, they seem so arrogant, and smug. Not a good team together or at all. Didn't care for Norah but would take her over these two in a heartbeat!
-
B
The gentlemen do a great job. Miss Norah O’Donnell. I think they need to do something with the desk, looks like their ties touch the floor
-
C
Hate it. Gave it a try, but just don't like the format. The anchors are ok. Don't like their style.We started watching ABC with Muir.
-
R
Agree with John - "Trying to get used to this new format. However, I find myself switching over to NBC because the CBS news seems awkward/confusing and drawn out with both anchors making inputs to the same news stories". National scene is chaotic enough these days. Just the facts please - without anchors needing to ask or looking for obvious questions that should have been included in original report. This discussion format is fine for the morning show but not evening news. Also --- way too much time and drama on weather ---local news provides lessons in weather prediction-- just say what is expected and where - and only if it is to create significant impact on the country. New format leaves me wondering if I really heard all I need to know.
-
G
Hate it! Mellowed out news now...loved the days of Walter Cronkite...Nora did a fabulous job...though they say it was in the plans...I think it's because of Trump and DEI...doesn't like women nor the way O'Donnell interviewed him or reported on him.
-
G
I think it was a terrible move cbs, will be watching any of the other options!!!! Big mistake!!
-
B
It stinks
-
G
Where did all the intelligent, articulate women reporters go?! Although I still appreciate CBS as the news service that speaks in complete sentences, I felt shocked and hurt to see NOT A SINGLE FEMALE representing the station in my first night of viewing. Disgraceful.
-
O
Two anchor format does not work for me at all. They almost seem robotic as they try to comment on the same story. The attempt to ‘slow down’ the pace just makes it boring. They need the energy that Dickerson’s ‘The Daily Report’ had.
-
O
Much better. Never a fan of the way Nora presented so I stared watching other channels for the first time in my life. I just want the news presented factually without drama.
1 1
-
O
I thought wow this is different it appears not as biased as the other main stream news where Trump is shown every night as somebody negative. The news was different but great information. Altogether thumps up
-
C
I stopped watching when Nora replaced Jeff. I have been watching ABC's David M. ever since but the endless Trump bashing is driving me crazy so I tuned in CBS tonight. So glad i did! Perfect recap of today's news in a well balanced manner without a hint of bias whatsoever. Thanks for that. I'm back onboard.
1
-
G
While I will miss the beauty and grace of Norah I absolutely loved the new format of the CBS nightly news!
1
-
G
norah never did a good job waited years for her to leave i watched the first show it was what a news show should be i ll be switching back thank you for getting back on track r.c.d.
2
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services