Norah O'Donnell has hit back at critics on social media after her return to CBS Mornings was announced, defending the show amid ongoing backlash against CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss's editorial direction. O'Donnell, who co-hosted the programme until 2019 before moving to anchor CBS Evening News, responded directly to sceptical commenters rather than staying silent, urging them to actually watch the broadcast before forming judgements. The exchange highlights the wider tension at CBS News, where changes under Weiss have drawn criticism from some viewers who feel coverage has become unbalanced.

Several commenters challenged O'Donnell over remaining at the network, referencing its handling of 60 Minutes and Stephen Colbert, and questioning her loyalty given Weiss's role alongside the Ellison family's ownership. O'Donnell replied to one critic "You are obviously not watching the shows" and to another "This is so silly. Just watch our show." She returns to CBS Mornings on Tuesday, 9 September, reuniting with Gayle King and adding Nate Burleson, with executive producer Jon Tower calling it a "homecoming" and praising the trio's chemistry in a staff memo.