The CBS Saturday Morning host leaving news has been confirmed, and longtime viewers are feeling the loss. CBS has officially announced that Dana Jacobson, one of the program’s most familiar and trusted faces, will step away from the anchor desk at the end of 2025. Her exit marks the end of an important chapter for the network’s weekend broadcast and comes just months before CBS plans to revamp its entire weekend lineup in 2026.
Jacobson’s easygoing warmth, sharp interviewing skills, and natural on-air presence made her a viewer favorite. Over the years, she helped shape CBS Saturday Morning into one of television’s most respected weekend programs. Though she’s leaving the show, CBS confirmed that she’s not leaving the network — she’ll take on new roles with CBS News and CBS Sports starting in 2026.
Dana Jacobson to Step Down at End of 2025
CBS announced this week that Dana Jacobson will leave her co-anchor role on CBS Saturday Morning after the final broadcast of 2025. The decision comes as the network prepares for a major restructuring that includes introducing new weekend programming the following year.
In a statement, CBS praised Jacobson’s years of service, calling her “a remarkable journalist whose curiosity and compassion have made her an essential voice on Saturday mornings.”
Her final broadcast is expected to take place in December 2025, and the network plans to honor her with special on-air tributes highlighting her most memorable moments from the show.
While Jacobson’s departure is part of CBS’s transition plan, executives emphasized that she remains a valued part of the network’s future.
A Look Back at Her Journey
Jacobson’s broadcasting career began in local television before she joined ESPN, where she gained national attention as a reporter and anchor on SportsCenter. Her dynamic mix of intelligence, humor, and authenticity quickly made her a standout.
In 2013, she joined CBS, initially working across news and sports programming. Her background made her uniquely versatile — equally comfortable discussing breaking news, lifestyle stories, or major sporting events.
She joined CBS Saturday Morning (then CBS This Morning: Saturday) in 2018, forming a strong trio with co-anchors Jeff Glor and Michelle Miller. Together, they created a blend of journalism and storytelling that earned the show a loyal audience.
Jacobson became known for her ability to connect with guests on a personal level. Whether interviewing chefs, musicians, or political figures, she approached every conversation with empathy and genuine curiosity — traits that made her stand out in the world of network news.
Why She’s Leaving Now
The timing of Jacobson’s departure reflects major changes taking place at CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global. The network is reimagining how it delivers weekend news, focusing more on streaming, mobile platforms, and short-form storytelling.
Television audiences have shifted dramatically over the past decade. Fewer people watch traditional broadcasts, while more consume news through streaming services like Paramount+ and CBS News Streaming. CBS is responding by integrating its broadcast and digital operations to reach audiences wherever they are.
While CBS Saturday Morning has remained steady in ratings — averaging around 1.8 million weekly viewers — executives determined that evolving viewer habits called for a new format. CBS Saturday Morning Host Leaving
Jacobson’s move from anchor to contributor fits that broader vision. CBS wants her to play a larger role in both long-form reporting and major sports coverage, bringing her experience to new formats and platforms.
A Show That Stood Out from the Rest
CBS Saturday Morning has long been admired for its thoughtful tone and creative storytelling. Unlike flashier weekend news programs, it offered a calm and reflective start to the day, blending current events with culture, science, and art.
The show’s signature segments became beloved parts of its identity:
- Saturday Sessions — Live performances by top artists and rising stars, giving the show a unique musical heartbeat.
- The Dish — A culinary segment celebrating chefs, restaurants, and recipes that connect people through food.
- Profiles in Inspiration — Human stories about people making a difference in their communities.
Jacobson helped shape these features through her curiosity and storytelling ability. She brought warmth and authenticity to every piece, making viewers feel part of the conversation rather than just observers.
Her presence alongside Jeff Glor and Michelle Miller helped the show stand apart from other morning programs, striking a rare balance between news and comfort.
Reaction from Co-Hosts and Fans
After the announcement, Glor and Miller paid tribute to their longtime co-host during a recent broadcast. Glor described Jacobson as “the heart and soul of our mornings,” while Miller added, “Dana’s spirit, laughter, and professionalism have made this show what it is. She’s a journalist you can trust and a friend you’ll miss.”
Viewers also took to social media to express their appreciation and sadness. Many described Jacobson as “a bright start to the weekend” and praised her for her honest, engaging interviews. CBS Saturday Morning Host Leaving
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Dana Jacobson made CBS feel like family. She’s calm, funny, and real. Saturdays won’t be the same without her.” Another added, “She’s one of those rare journalists who makes you feel like you know her. That’s a gift.”
What’s Next for Dana Jacobson
While she’s stepping away from the CBS Saturday Morning anchor desk, Jacobson’s future with CBS remains bright. The network confirmed that she will continue contributing to CBS News and CBS Sports, working on special projects that highlight her range and experience.
Jacobson has previously reported on major sporting events such as the NFL, NCAA tournaments, and PGA Tour coverage. Her new role is expected to include more in-depth interviews, long-form features, and possibly hosting duties for major CBS Sports events.
Insiders say Jacobson’s next chapter will blend the storytelling of CBS Saturday Morning with the energy of live sports coverage — something that perfectly fits her diverse background.
The End of an Era for CBS Weekends
Jacobson’s departure also coincides with CBS’s decision to retire CBS Saturday Morning in March 2026. The program’s ending, paired with her exit, marks a major transition in how CBS structures its weekend content.
The network is currently developing a new show that will combine real-time news with lifestyle features, designed for both TV and streaming audiences. CBS executives say the goal is to maintain the same journalistic integrity that made CBS Saturday Morning special, while presenting it in a format that appeals to today’s viewers.
For longtime fans, though, the change feels bittersweet. The program’s quiet intelligence and warmth made it a rare space in broadcast television — a show that informed without overwhelming, entertained without sensationalizing, and inspired without pretense.
A Legacy Built on Connection
Dana Jacobson’s time on CBS Saturday Morning has left a lasting impression on viewers and colleagues alike. Her calm delivery, humor, and ability to connect with guests made her one of the most relatable anchors on TV.
Through interviews, live music, and meaningful stories, she helped transform the show into something that felt personal — an hour of weekend television that invited viewers to slow down and think.
Her legacy at CBS will continue as she takes on new opportunities that allow her to tell stories in fresh and engaging ways. Whether covering breaking news or sharing human-interest features, Jacobson’s journalistic voice remains one of CBS’s strongest assets.
The Broader Shift in Morning Television
Jacobson’s exit reflects broader changes happening across the industry. Morning television, once dominated by traditional live broadcasts, is now adapting to the digital age. Networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC are merging traditional reporting with digital-first storytelling to stay relevant in a world where audiences expect instant access.
CBS is embracing this transformation by developing new weekend formats that align with the viewing habits of today’s audience. This evolution ensures that CBS will continue to serve both loyal television viewers and the growing number of people who watch content on demand.
As the network moves forward, it’s clear that Jacobson’s approach — genuine, engaging, and human — will continue to influence CBS’s next generation of programming.
As Dana Jacobson prepares to close this chapter, she leaves behind a show that defined thoughtful weekend television. What are your favorite moments from her time on the program? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as CBS begins a new era.