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Serious upgrade. There’s only so many elements and so many shapes to a studio. Of course if one stretches the point there will be “resemblances.” But it’s clearly distinct. And looks great.

When the CBS Evening News opens up every 3-6 years, it's always 'what about Anderson?' When there's an opening for a serious, veteran anchor at local or national, it's often 'what about Shepard?' When there's an opportunity for a morning show anchor, it's constantly 'what about Robin?' From CBS, CNN, NewsNation, large market Fox stations, even to freaking Jeopardy!, you spend long enough around here, and seeing the same names listed over and over like they're waiting in line at an employment agency goes from eye roll-inducing to annoying to hilarious.

Duuuuuude.

I figured Willie Geist might try something too, and Jeff Glor would be a perfect replacement for him on Sunday Today. I see Tom Llamas more as a replacement for Lester Holt than Hoda on NBC.

Because co-anchoring the most important show on the network would pay way, way more than hosting a show on the streaming service and elevate him one of the most important anchors at the network. In any case, expect to see a rotation of talent auditioning for the role. It's one of, if not the, most important roles at the network given how much revenue TODAY generates for NBC, so it will be thoughtful and highly unlike to be someone from outside the NBC family. Familiarity to viewers is critical.

In some ways this set feels a bit retro with all the “bold” colors. Like most of these changes, I think it will be just fine after a while…

It was necessary because the powers that be felt it was time.

Kristine and Maurice have always been good, but I wondered why their profiles suddenly rose so much in the last few years. As someone pointed out earlier --- cost cutting measures. CBS is double dipping by having them function as local and national talent. Hopefully their salaries were raised. If CBS wants primarily solo anchored newscasts I advocate for AM Mary/Chris 12pm Cindy 5pm Cindy 6pm Kristine 11pm Kristine/Maurice (to preserve the anchor pairing). It also works because Kristine would be a stable presence if Maurice cannot anchor due to national events. *If they want a co-anchor at 5 and 6 they can go with Dick Brennan (my first choice) or Allen Devlin.

Please go to CBS Brian! Their evening news could use you.

Former MSNBC Anchor Brian Williams in talks to host Election Night special for Amazon

The new series "Abbott Elementary" on ABC did a tribute to Jim. Never saw a sitcom do this. It was cool.