The executive producer of CBS Mornings, Shawna Thomas, will step down from her role at the end of March after five years leading the morning program, citing exhaustion from overseeing the show’s demanding production schedule.
Thomas shared the news in a memo to colleagues at CBS News, saying she had been contemplating the decision for some time.
“I’ve had the privilege of helping to make 10 (now 12!) hours of television each week that goes out free to people everywhere,” Thomas wrote, stressing the importance she placed on informing and engaging viewers through the program’s storytelling.
She added candidly: “Now, this isn’t THE GREAT GOODBYE NOTE. But you should know I’ve been thinking about this for a while and, frankly, I’m tired y’all.”
Thomas has overseen the morning broadcast during a period of major change in the television news industry, helping guide the show’s editorial direction and daily production. Her departure also comes as broader changes are expected at CBS News following new leadership at parent company Paramount Global.
According to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter, senior broadcast producer Jon Tower will serve as interim executive producer of CBS Mornings after Thomas leaves.
The announcement arrived shortly after co-host Gayle King renewed her contract to remain with the program. Thomas praised the veteran journalist in her memo, saying she admired King’s “bright shiny face and amazing interviewing skills” and thanked her for her professionalism and work ethic.
CBS Mornings currently features King alongside Nate Burleson, who recently confirmed he will remain on the show. Former co-anchor Tony Dokoupil previously left the program to join the evening broadcast of CBS Evening News.
Following the news of her departure, Thomas also reflected on the transition in a lighthearted Instagram message, saying the move was not negative but necessary for her personal well-being.
“Y’all this is not a bad thing,” she wrote. “I’m going to miss everyone, but I need to find a beach.”
Her candid comments have resonated with many in the media industry, where conversations around burnout, work-life balance and sustainability in high-pressure newsroom environments have become increasingly common.
Thomas’ exit adds to a period of transition at CBS News as the network adjusts to new leadership and evolving strategies for its flagship programs.
