CBS Mornings Eyes New Co-Host After Tony Dokoupil’s Promotion: Who Will Fill the Chair?

The first week of December 2025 has brought a shakeup to America’s morning news landscape, and nowhere is that more evident than at CBS Mornings. As viewers tuned in to see who would top the ratings, another storyline quietly brewed behind the scenes: the search for a new co-host. The catalyst? Tony Dokoupil’s elevation to anchor of CBS Evening News, leaving his morning seat vacant and sparking industry speculation about the show’s next move.

According to TV Insider, CBS Mornings was the only major morning show to see gains in both total viewers and the crucial 25-54 demographic during the first week of December. While ABC’s Good Morning America narrowly edged out NBC’s Today in total viewers—2.893 million to 2.860 million, respectively—CBS Mornings posted a modest yet notable rise, averaging 2.076 million viewers, up 6 percent from the previous week. In the key demo, the show climbed 13 percent, drawing 363,000 viewers. For a program that has often played third fiddle in the morning ratings war, this uptick is more than just a number—it’s a sign of momentum at a time of transition.

The change at CBS Mornings comes amid broader transformation at CBS News. After a landmark merger between Paramount and Skydance earlier in the year, the network recruited Bari Weiss, co-founder of The Free Press, as editor-in-chief. Weiss’s arrival has brought a renewed sense of editorial purpose, particularly for flagship properties like CBS Evening News. The decision to promote Tony Dokoupil signals an intent to reimagine the network’s evening presence, but it leaves a crucial question unanswered for mornings: who will step into Dokoupil’s shoes?

Currently, CBS Mornings is anchored by Gayle King and Nate Burleson. King, a fixture on the show and a mainstay in American journalism, recently addressed rumors about her own future during an appearance on Sherri. “I’ve decided I’m going to stay out of the drama,” King remarked, adding with characteristic candor, “I like the job, and I’m told they like me.” Her comments seem to confirm that she’s not planning an exit, at least for now, providing some stability as the network weighs its next steps.

The open co-host position is more than just a job; it’s a chance to shape the tone and direction of CBS Mornings at a pivotal moment. As the network undergoes editorial and leadership changes, the choice of co-host will likely reflect its evolving identity. While speculation has begun to swirl—industry insiders and viewers alike have floated names from both inside and outside the CBS family—no official candidate has emerged, and the network has yet to make any formal announcement.

For viewers, these shifts are more than inside baseball. The chemistry between morning show co-hosts can make or break the viewing experience, setting the mood for millions of Americans as they start their day. With Dokoupil’s departure, CBS faces a delicate balancing act: find a personality who can complement King and Burleson, maintain the momentum in ratings, and help define the show’s future. The stakes are high, especially as CBS Mornings seeks to build on its recent gains and capture a larger share of the morning audience.

Meanwhile, the broader morning show landscape remains as competitive as ever. Good Morning America’s edge in total viewers—albeit by a razor-thin margin—signals continued strength for ABC, while NBC’s Today remains a powerhouse in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demographic. CBS Mornings’ recent boost suggests viewers are open to change and perhaps seeking something different from their morning news. That appetite for novelty could inform CBS’s choice for its next co-host, whether the network opts for a familiar face or a fresh voice.

As 2025 draws to a close, CBS News stands at a crossroads. The departure of Tony Dokoupil from the morning lineup and his promotion to Evening News anchor marks both an end and a beginning—a moment of transition that could redefine the network’s approach to morning television. With the right choice for co-host, CBS Mornings could cement its growing appeal and challenge its rivals more forcefully in the year ahead. Until then, viewers and media watchers alike will be waiting for the network’s next move, knowing that the right hire could set the tone for mornings to come.

At this time, there is no confirmed information about David Del Rio’s involvement or candidacy for the CBS Mornings co-host position. If CBS decides to look outside its existing roster, Del Rio’s name has not been publicly linked to the vacancy. The network’s next steps remain a closely watched question as the morning show space continues to evolve.