Bari Weiss’ handpicked CBS anchor took two weeks off - and the show had its best ratings in months without him

Key Points:

• During Tony Dokoupil's two-week vacation as anchor of CBS Evening News, substitute host Matt Gutman attracted 4.1 million viewers, the program's best ratings in 17 weeks and the first time exceeding 4 million since March.
• Dokoupil, hand-picked by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, has struggled to consistently draw over 4 million viewers since Weiss took over in October, raising questions about his early decision to take an extended break.
• CBS defended Dokoupil's performance, attributing recent ratings increases across all network evening news programs to a news-heavy week rather than the host change, and emphasized confidence in Dokoupil citing Q2 growth and positive coverage.
• Critics and some CBS insiders have questioned Dokoupil's reputation and suitability, with some describing him as a "useful idiot" for Weiss, while others highlight his innovative storytelling and noted shifts toward friendlier coverage of certain political figures.
• Weiss's controversial appointment as CBS News Editor-in-Chief in October 2025, despite lacking broadcast experience, and the network's ongoing transition have contributed to public scrutiny of CBS Evening News' ratings and editorial direction.