Hoda Kotb Could Replace a Huge Daytime Star — Source
A quiet but deliberate shift is unfolding behind the scenes at CBS, and insiders say Hoda Kotb’s name has begun surfacing in closed-door conversations.
According to sources, the network may be preparing for a dramatic reshaping of its morning lineup — one that could see Kotb positioned as a potential successor to Gayle King, whose daytime prominence insiders claim is beginning to fade.
The whispers come at a moment of deeper structural change at the Tiffany Network, following the unexpected exit of veteran anchor John Dickerson and the heightened influence of CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.
CBS Looking at Kotb as They Rebuild Their Morning Strategy
RadarOnline reports that CBS executives are carefully evaluating Kotb as they consider the future of “CBS Mornings.” One insider claims Dickerson “didn’t quit on his own” but was instead pushed out as part of a broader reorganization — a move that signaled to many within the company that Weiss intends to rebuild the morning franchise from the ground up.
With King’s contract set to expire in 2026, sources say Weiss wants a high-profile, trusted personality capable of bringing warmth, name recognition, and — critically — a ratings boost. According to a senior figure at the network, Kotb “checks every box,” from credibility to relatability to viewer loyalty.
Kotb’s Career at a Crossroads
The interest comes at a delicate moment for Kotb, who stepped away from the “Today” show earlier this year to launch a wellness brand that has struggled to gain momentum.
One insider claims Kotb has begun reassessing her next chapter, realizing that her “true strength is morning TV” and that viewers have long associated her with comfort, stability, and optimism — a combination CBS reportedly finds appealing.
CBS’ Pitch: A Spotlight All Her Own
Multiple sources say Bari Weiss has taken a personal interest in courting Kotb and sees her as someone who could transform “CBS Mornings” into a more dynamic and competitive show.
A rival network executive noted that moving to CBS would give Kotb something she has never fully had at NBC: top billing. “She’d be the star,” the executive claimed. “No sharing the spotlight, no competing for airtime — she would be the face of the show.”
Contract Obstacles? Maybe Not
Although Kotb remains under contract at NBC, insiders insist the agreement is “far from ironclad.”
One well-placed source described the contract as “flexible enough” that a transition to CBS would be possible if both sides want it.
For now, neither network is commenting publicly. But inside CBS, the quiet conversations continue — and Hoda Kotb’s name keeps coming up.
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