John P. Filo/CBSDid you hear about the earthquake over at The Early Show?
CBS News announced a major shakeup at its signature morning news-and-chat program today, including the replacement of cohosts Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez with Chris Wragge and Erica Hill, who were previously the weekend team.
Does the network think this is the move that will finally push The Early Show ahead of Today and Good Morning America in the ratings?
"These shows are about the team," executive producer David Freidman, himself installed only 11 months ago, told the Hollywood Reporter. "It's about finding the right team."
"Obviously if things were quote unquote 'working' we wouldn't make changes," he said, adding, "Everything was considered."
Former GMA weekender Marysol Castro is also coming aboard as the Early Show's new weather forecaster, replacing Dave Price, and Jeff Glor will become the regular news reader.
Harry Smith, who coanchored CBS This Morning from 1987 to 1996 and joined The Early Show in 2002, was the last familiar face from the old Chenbot days. (Longtime cohost Julie Chen left this year to get The Talk off the ground but still makes the occasional contribution.)
Smith, 59, said he'll be staying at CBS to work on other shows, including the CBS Evening News and Face the Nation.
"I have given them everything I can possibly give," he said. "I wish the people who follow nothing but the best. God love 'em, I hope they can move the needle more."
The new team debuts Jan. 3.