In a significant shake-up for American weekend television, CBS has decided to pull the plug on its long-running program 'CBS Saturday Morning'. The final episode, featuring co-hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, is set to air this weekend, concluding a 28-year legacy.
End of an Era and Restructuring Details
The cancellation is part of a broader restructuring initiative that has already resulted in the ousting of the show's executive producer, Brian Applegate, alongside hosts Miller and Jacobson. This decision has reportedly sparked significant anxiety among employees, who fear further job cuts. The show, which aired nationwide on Saturdays from 7 am to 9 am for nearly three decades, is a casualty of wider corporate changes.
The overhaul at CBS is connected to the larger layoffs at its parent company, Paramount. According to reports, Paramount plans to lay off about 2,000 employees, which constitutes roughly 10% of its entire workforce. A first wave of approximately 1,000 layoffs was initiated in late October. This aggressive cost-cutting follows the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media in August.
Replacement Host and Internal Reactions
While the current team is being shown the door, a replacement has been lined up. Reports from the New York Post indicate that Adriana Diaz, who previously co-hosted 'CBS Mornings Plus', is expected to step in to fill the gap starting November 29. However, sources suggest that while Diaz was approached to anchor the show full-time, she does not appear to be interested in a permanent role. In a related move, CBS is also canceling 'CBS Mornings Plus', the show co-hosted by Diaz and Tony Dokoupil.
The news has been met with disappointment from colleagues and loyal viewers alike. American TV presenter Anthony Mason saluted the outgoing hosts on social media, calling them "amazing women." Former journalist Barbara E. Lester called the move a "huge mistake," praising the show's pleasant blend of news, features, and music. Another loyal viewer expressed deep disappointment, stating that Saturday mornings with Michelle and Dana were a "highlight of my week."
Broader Impact and Corporate Stance
The sentiment within the company is tense, with employees worried about their futures. The layoffs and restructuring are a clear signal from the new management, formed after the Paramount-Skydance merger, that they intend to move swiftly to cut costs. Paramount President Jeff Shell acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, "We do not want to be a company that has layoffs every quarter. So, it's going to be painful." This statement underscores the challenging period ahead for the media giant as it navigates this significant transformation.
