Culture

CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday

From overtourism to equine therapy, the show's recent episodes reflect a broad spectrum of human experience and societal issues.

5 min
CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday
From overtourism to equine therapy, the show's recent episodes reflect a broad spectrum of human experience and societalCredit · CBS News

Key facts

  • CBS Sunday Morning, hosted by Jane Pauley, is the #1 Sunday morning news program in the U.S.
  • The show airs Sundays from 9:00-10:30 AM ET on CBS.
  • Recent segments include overtourism (Seth Doane), equine therapy (Lesley Stahl), and a Mozart exhibition (Jane Pauley).
  • on a free online tool to help keep dementia in check.
  • Mo Rocca examined Cuba under Trump administration policies.
  • Anthony Mason interviewed country star Kacey Musgraves about her new songs and album cover.
  • Elizabeth Palmer covered British artist Jenny Saville's retrospective at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
  • on immigration court judge departures and firings.

The Sunday Morning Powerhouse

CBS Sunday Morning, anchored by Jane Pauley, has established itself as the premier Sunday morning news program in the United States, drawing millions of viewers each week. The show's unique blend of arts, music, nature, entertainment, history, science, sports, and Americana, combined with its focus on human accomplishments, sets it apart in a crowded media landscape. Broadcasting from 9:00 to 10:30 AM ET, the program has become a ritual for many Americans, offering a thoughtful respite from the often frenetic news cycle. Its sustained popularity reflects a public appetite for substantive, well-reported features that go beyond the headlines.

Overtourism and Equine Therapy: A Contrast in Human Impact

In a recent episode, correspondent Seth Doane delved into the phenomenon of overtourism, examining how the global tourism industry has grown to such an extent that it sometimes harms the very places visitors seek to enjoy. The segment posed a fundamental question: is tourism ultimately good or bad? This exploration comes as many destinations worldwide grapple with the environmental and social costs of mass travel. on an innovative equine therapy program, where interaction with horses improves both mental and physical health. The segment highlighted the growing recognition of animal-assisted therapies in mainstream medicine, offering a hopeful counterpoint to the challenges of overtourism.

Mozart, Dementia Tools, and the Arts

Jane Pauley herself took on the life and legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, offering viewers a fresh look at the composer's enduring influence. The segment coincided with a broader cultural moment that continues to celebrate Mozart's work centuries after his death. on a new tool available free online that can help keep dementia in check. provided practical information for viewers concerned about cognitive decline, emphasizing early detection and intervention. This segment reflects the show's commitment to covering health and science in accessible ways.

Cuba, Kacey Musgraves, and Jenny Saville: Politics and Culture

Mo Rocca took viewers to Cuba, assessing how the island nation is faring today under the offered a nuanced look at the impact of U.S. foreign policy on everyday life in Cuba, a topic of enduring interest given the complex history between the two countries. Anthony Mason caught up with country superstar Kacey Musgraves, who opened up about going home after a breakup, the inspiration for her new songs, and posing with a bull on her album cover. The interview provided an intimate glimpse into the creative process of one of music's most acclaimed artists. Elizabeth Palmer visited with British artist Jenny Saville, who has a major retrospective at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Saville's work, known for its large-scale, figurative paintings, continues to challenge and captivate the art world.

Immigration Courts and Deadly Roads: Investigative Reporting

on the immigration courts operated by the Department of Justice, focusing on the number of judges who have been fired, have retired, or left the system. This investigation shed light on a critical component of the U.S. immigration system that is often overlooked, raising questions about the administration of justice. Jim Axelrod presented a new CBS News investigation into the surging number of deadly truck accidents, highlighting how one company is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to shield itself from lawsuits that follow crashes. underscored the human toll of road safety failures and the legal battles that ensue.

Special Editions and The Money Issue

The program has also aired special editions, such as 'The Money Issue' on April 12, 2026, which examined the affordability crisis and the American dream of home ownership. on whether owning a home is still widely attainable, a question that resonates deeply in an era of rising costs. Tracy Smith sat down with actor Scarlett Johansson to discuss her life as founder of The Outset, a skincare business, blending celebrity culture with entrepreneurship. Nancy Giles headed to Philadelphia to see how artist Stacey Lee Webber literally turns money into art, and on the proliferation of data-driven decision-making in various sectors.

Easter Sunday, 'Hacks,' and Dan Levy: Seasonal and Streaming Highlights

On Easter Sunday, Chris Livesay went deep inside the Vatican to explore the centuries-old mosaics and the workshop where they are maintained and restored, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of religious art. Tracy Smith visited the set of the hit HBO series 'Hacks' to talk with stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, along with the show's creators, as the series returned for another season. Anthony Mason caught up with actor Dan Levy to talk about his new Netflix series 'Big Mistakes,' working with the late Catherine O'Hara on 'Schitt's Creek,' and more, providing fans with insights into Levy's career trajectory.

The bottom line

  • CBS Sunday Morning remains the top-rated Sunday news program, offering a diverse range of stories from hard-hitting investigations to cultural features.
  • The show's recent episodes have tackled pressing issues like overtourism, immigration court staffing, and truck accident liability, demonstrating a commitment to journalism that matters.
  • Segments on equine therapy and dementia tools highlight the program's focus on health and wellness innovations.
  • Interviews with figures like Kacey Musgraves, Scarlett Johansson, and Dan Levy provide a platform for artists to discuss their work and personal lives.
  • Special editions, such as 'The Money Issue,' allow the show to delve deeply into economic themes affecting everyday Americans.
  • The program's ability to blend politics, culture, and human interest stories makes it a unique and enduring fixture in American television.
Galerie
CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 1CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 2CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 3CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 4CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 5CBS Sunday Morning: A Deep Dive into the Stories That Define America's Sunday — image 6
More on this