The Early Show

The Early Show, broadcasted on CBS, was an American morning television program that aired for 13 years, from 1999 to 2012. The two-hour show premiered on November 1, 1999, and was watched by millions of viewers all over the country. The program was created with the intent to compete directly with the highly popular "Today" show on NBC and "Good Morning America" on ABC. The Early Show served as a comprehensive platform that combined news, interviews, investigative reports, and feature stories covering a broad range of topics, including national and international news, weather, health, technology, consumer reports, arts and entertainment, fashion, and culture.

The Early Show was recognized for its unique blend of hard news and feature stories. The first hour focused on the major news stories of the day, while the second hour often wrapped features, trending stories, and special segments around the weather updates. The main news stories usually featured a mix of domestic and international news catering to viewers’ broad information needs. Additionally, the show's commitment to delivering event coverage, such as state funerals, presidential inaugurations, and significant breaking news, was commendable.

The time slots of The Early Show were divided to cater to various sections with a specific focus. Expert journalists covered highlight reels of the day’s major sports events and, in some instances, political conversations were also incorporated to keep viewers informed about the dynamic political landscape of the country. Known for their detailed reporting and analysis, The Early Show journalists often provided in-depth interviews with politicians, public figures, celebrities, business leaders, and newsmakers from around the world.

Another feature of The Early Show was the weather updates termed "Weather Watch.". In every show, viewers received a broad look at weather conditions, forecasts, and weather-related news for different regions of the United States. The weather reports were interspersed throughout the program, allowing viewers to start their day with necessary weather information to plan their day.

Despite its news orientation, The Early Show was more than just a news program. It had an array of lifestyle segments that ranged from cooking demonstrations to beauty tips, from fashion trends to consumer advice, and from tech reviews to book clubs. This balance between hard news and softer, more relaxed segments is one reason the show became popular with a wider demographic.

The Early Show was known for not only covering the most relevant and crucial stories of the day but also for its talented ensemble of hosts. The show underwent several host line-up changes throughout its run, including notable television journalists and personalities like Bryant Gumbel, Jane Clayson, Harry Smith, Julie Chen, Maggie Rodriguez, and Erica Hill. They were lauded for their ability to transition smoothly from serious news discussion to light-hearted segments, all while maintaining their professional integrity and keeping the audience engaged.

The Friday edition of The Early Show incorporated a concert series that was broadcasted from the CBS plaza, featuring renowned musicians from a variety of genres, adding a burst of energy and entertainment to end the workweek. This proved to be a crowd favorite and had passersby stopping to enjoy the performances.

The Early Show was transitioned in January 2012 to another CBS program "CBS This Morning" as a part of a major revamp strategy by the network. Despite the transition, The Early Show made a significant impact on its viewers’ lives by providing a comprehensive start to the day with a dynamic mixture of news, entertainment, and daily living features.