Embattled CBS News chief Bari Weiss is reportedly trying to juice "CBS Mornings" ratings by teaming up two "bitter rival" co-hosts, according to RadarOnline.
Weiss "raised eyebrows" by bringing Norah O'Donnell back to sit beside Gayle King, but insiders told the outlet she's "crazy like a fox," the report notes.
"Bari is banking on the blood feud to bring in viewers," an insider told Radar. "They have baggage, ego and are insane competitors — so why hide it? Release the hounds and turn on the cameras. She knows that will give people a reason to watch."
The source said the network has tried everything to escape its spot "as the third horse" in a three-horse morning race behind "Today" and "Good Morning America," and that Weiss sees the reunion as "a potential Hail Mary."
O'Donnell, 52, is returning to the morning desk after her January 2025 ouster as "CBS Evening News" anchor — and seven years after she was shuffled off the morning show that King has anchored ever since.
"Gayle remembers exactly what it was like sharing that desk with Norah — and they aren't pleasant memories," the insider said, adding, "If Gayle and Norah become a powerhouse team, CBS wins. If they implode spectacularly, CBS still wins because people will tune in to watch it happen.
"Happy families are lovely. Dysfunctional families get ratings."
