After 30 years as a prominent figure delivering news to American households, television veteran Deborah Norville is set to depart from CBS’s “Inside Edition” for the final time.
The 66-year-old anchor, recognized as the longest-serving female anchor on national television, announced on April 2 that she will be leaving the syndicated news magazine at the end of the current season. Norville, who joined the program in 1995, has become one of the most familiar faces in television news.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be here at Inside for all these years,” Norville told viewers during her on-air announcement. “A milestone like this is a time for reflection and on reflection, I’ve decided that now is the time for me to move on from Inside Edition.”
Norville’s departure signifies the conclusion of a significant period for the show, which she joined following roles with NBC’s “Today,” “Street Stories,” and “48 Hours.” Her television career began with an internship at Georgia Public Television, setting the stage for one of the longest-lasting careers in broadcast journalism.
Despite receiving a “lovely offer” to remain with the show, Norville explained that she is ready for new challenges. She shared that her decision was influenced by personal considerations and a desire to explore opportunities that her current role wouldn’t permit.
“There are things I’d like to do, places I want to do them that continuing here doesn’t permit,” Norville said during her announcement, highlighting that family considerations were a significant factor in her decision.
The television personality will not disappear from screens entirely. In December 2024, CBS announced that Norville will be hosting a new trivia game show called “The Perfect Line,” set to premiere in fall 2025. The show will cover a range of topics from world events to pop culture, showcasing Norville’s engaging on-screen presence.
Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, expressed confidence in Norville’s new role, noting that her “wit and charm resonate with audiences,” making her a natural fit for the hosting position.
Throughout her time at “Inside Edition,” Norville covered some of the most important news stories of the past three decades. From the September 11 attacks to royal weddings, her reporting has provided context on events that shaped the modern world.
Her distinguished career has earned her multiple accolades, including two Emmy Awards, and in 2016, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to television journalism.
Charles Lachman, executive producer of “Inside Edition,” praised Norville’s impact on the show over the years. Her steady presence helped establish the program as a reliable source for news and human interest stories in a changing media landscape.
Norville’s decision comes at a time of significant change in television broadcasting. The industry has faced major shifts as viewing habits evolve toward streaming platforms, altering the economics of traditional syndicated programming. “Inside Edition” has maintained strong viewership despite these changes, but broader trends have reshaped how television content is produced and distributed.
In a social media post following her announcement, Norville reflected on her tenure, noting, “When I started this job, Bill Clinton was president, O.J. Simpson was on trial for murder and Forrest Gump was about to win big at the Oscars.”
For Norville, the choice to move on follows a pattern of career decisions driven by personal priorities. She explained that twice before she had made career moves for personal reasons—from Chicago, Illinois, to NBC News in New York City, and from CBS News to “Inside Edition”—and those had proved to be the right choices. She expressed confidence that this latest decision would similarly be positive.
While Norville will continue with “Inside Edition” through the end of the current season, she has indicated that she looks forward to what lies ahead. Though staying would have been “the easy thing to do,” according to Norville, she felt ready for a new chapter.
Norville’s final episodes with “Inside Edition” will air later this year, offering longtime viewers an opportunity to bid farewell to the anchor who has been inviting them into her broadcast for 30 years.