Things That Matter officially premiered on CBS on February 15, 2026, following a highly successful pilot special in December 2025. Created by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in partnership with her media company, The Free Press, the show was developed to revive “old-school” journalistic values and civil debate. Sponsored by Bank of America, the program broadcasts in high-profile timeslots on CBS and streams globally via Paramount+ and the CBS News 24/7 network.
The show uses a dynamic town hall format in which a lead anchor interviews a primary guest before accepting unscripted questions from a diverse audience. The 2026 season kicked off with a major special featuring Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who addressed the rising cost of living and the future of the Democratic Party. The program also incorporates formal debates between intellectual leaders on foundational cultural questions, such as the role of religion in modern life and the validity of the American Dream for younger generations.
A central goal of the programming is to bypass traditional media soundbites in favor of long-form, “fearless” reporting that addresses topics often considered too controversial for standard news blocks. The show’s premiere season has focused on critical themes like public health, criminal justice, and the state of American politics heading into the 2026 midterms. By holding these events in local communities rather than New York studios, the series aims to reflect the authentic concerns of the American public.
The program is hosted by a rotating roster of CBS News’ top talent, led by CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil and senior correspondent Norah O’Donnell. Bari Weiss also serves as an occasional moderator and executive producer, having hosted the December 2025 lead-in featuring Erika Kirk.
In addition to its primary anchors, the series features contributions from an expanded team of specialized contributors who provide context during debate segments. Notable participants in the series’ debate rounds have included Ross Douthat, Steven Pinker, Liz Plank, and Allie Beth Stuckey. This collaborative approach between CBS News and The Free Press has positioned Things That Matter as a cornerstone of the network’s strategy to rebuild trust through transparent and challenging journalism.
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