- Tony Dokoupil's two-week vacation from CBS Evening News coincided with a ratings increase for the program under substitute anchor Matt Gutman.
- Matt Gutman drew 4.1 million viewers, marking the show's best performance in 17 weeks and its first time exceeding 4 million since late March.
- An unnamed TV executive criticized Dokoupil's decision to take time off, calling it a “baffling move” given the show's struggles and stating the substitute “outclassed him in the ratings.”
- CBS defended Dokoupil, asserting that all network newscasts saw increased viewership during that period and that Dokoupil has the network's support, citing Q2 ratings growth.
- Dokoupil's show has been notably more friendly toward President Donald Trump's administration, featuring appearances by officials such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
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