CBS Viewers Blast Tony Dokoupil’s ‘Train Wreck’ Evening News Debut
What To Know
- Tony Dokoupil’s debut as anchor of CBS Evening News was marred by technical difficulties and on-air mix-ups, including incorrect graphics and a state nickname error.
- Viewers quickly criticized Dokoupil’s performance on social media, with some blaming new CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss for the broadcast’s issues.
- Dokoupil recently transitioned from CBS Mornings to CBS Evening News amid broader leadership changes at CBS.
Tony Dokoupil made his official debut as the new anchor of CBS Evening News on Monday (January 5), but it’s safe to say the former CBS Mornings host suffered through some teething problems with some viewers declaring it a “train wreck.”
The issues started when Dokoupil went to segue into a segment about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s decision not to seek re-election. As he introduced the section on Walz, a photo of Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly appeared on the screen instead, confusing Dokoupil.
“To other news, as you just heard from Jill—oh, to other news now. Ah, to Governor Walz—no. We’re going to do Mark Kelly,” Dokoupil said, per The Daily Beast. “First day—first day, big problems here.”
“Are we going to Kelly here or are we going to go to Jonah Kaplan?” Dokoupil then asked, referring to the correspondent covering the Walz story. There was a brief silence on set as photographs of Kelly continued to show on screen.
After finally getting on track with the Walz segment, Dokoupil ran into another error when he referred to Walz’s home state by the wrong nickname. According to the Daily Beast, Dokoupil said, “Now we go to Minnesota. A surprise announcement from the Great Lake State there today…”
However, the Great Lake(s) State is actually a nickname for the state of Michigan. Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
.@tonydokoupil debut as the anchor of the “CBS Evening News” came widely heralded
—by Tony Dokoupil.
But this is what happened on air during his debut.pic.twitter.com/B6Oi3zO79S
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) January 6, 2026
Viewers were quick to criticize Dokoupil’s first night on the job and took to social media to share their reactions.
“This is embarrassing. Newly installed CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil has major problems during his first regular broadcast. The inexperience of new CBS News chief Bari Weiss is on full display,” wrote one X user.
“Poor Tony’s not getting off to a good start,” said another.
“Tony Dokoupil is becoming a joke really fast!” another added.
Another took a shot at CBS News editor in chief, Bari Weiss, saying, “CBS News is crumbling at a record rate under Bari Weiss.”
“This is what happens when you create a new team without anyoe who knows how to run a network news show,” one X commenter said.
“An absolute train wreck,” wrote another.
“We’ve all had a ‘First day, big problems’ moment at work. Tony Dokoupil just happened to have his in front of millions of people,” added one user.
Dokoupil’s move from CBS Mornings to CBS Evening News came after several shake-ups at CBS News, including the hiring of The Free Press co-founder Weiss as editor-in-chief in October.
On New Year’s Day, CBS News shared a video statement from Dokoupil, who urged viewers to hold him to account as he begins his new role. In his statement, he promised to prioritize the average American over advertisers, politicians, and corporate interests, including his CBS bosses.
CBS Evening News With Tony Dokoupil, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, CBS
Conversation22 Comments
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I
He said he was going to prioritize the views of average Americans over that of the experts and elites. If I want the views of average people, I'll read the comments. I come to the news to get the facts from the experts.
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J
I think I'm having a heart attack can some average American tell me what is going on please?
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G
Average American Answer: You should dial 911.
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K
I think we all now understand why the views Tony was expressing in the mornings started swinging right of center as the ownership of Paramount changed. He read the corporate tea leaves and got a big promotion, despite all the criticism his opinions garnered. As long as he keeps embracing that bent, he'll stay in the chair. No one expects the news division to be profitable. But they clearly expect to start pulling the FOX News demo and selling all the ads for My Pillow, etc. soon.
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H
Tony was a fun guy to watch in the past with Gayle and Co. But he clearly is not a main anchor, he doesn't have the needed gravitas and presence! He may be a great emcee for a game show, but not for serious stuff!
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G
Just another example of why "CBS News" is an oxymoron.
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S
I've always liked Tony, but last night, he looked tense and scared. But as Bari's *itch, I guess you do what you're told.
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A
Bring back Norah O'Donnell! (Though considering who's in charge now, maybe it's better where she is right now...)
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J
Funny how Trump sues media companies because they edit his comments. CBS edited out all the bloopers (including introducing himself 3 times.) when it released the video. LOL. YCMUHSTPA
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W
I don't care about typos, errors, and things like that. those things will happen. What was completely ridiculous were the puff pieces on Noem and Rubio. He better wash his mouth out good after all that ass kissing.
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J
I thought he did pretty well, except for the screw-up with the visuals.
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J
Tony was great when he interviewed me at the Eagles/Cowboys game in Philly a couple of years ago. He should have retired after that piece aired. It's been all downhill since then! 😛
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G
Geez - not a fan of CBS and dont really care - but how many of you were excellent and full-stride immediately at your new job. When your kid first stood up and fell down did you make fun of him/her for not being able to walk right away? The overreaction is childish. Now, if he still sucks 3 months in, ok - but geez people give the TDS a rest.
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G
He's not a toddler. He is already supposed to be a news professional. The point is that the production was amateur because an amateur is running it.
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G
Im a cbs viewer and i enjoyed it. I thought he did great ! Plenty of charm, personable and showed loads of potential! Theres been alot of negative publicity around Weiss so its possible he had some nerves prior to. With him and Gutman i can see it only getting better. I ll be tuning in.
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G
Thanks, Bari. Good to hear. Keo tuning in!
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G
Give the guy a break. It was his first day. And no, im just a understanding reasonable viewer. Heaven forbid the haters
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J
How many people are on the CBS payroll trolling the message board Guest?
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E
So lazy, at least make up a name. "NotCBSStaffer." "YayMurrica" "Bari123." Something.
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B
I think Tony did fine on the newsc first day jittersast. He is always been a very ethical and honest individual.
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