A Look Back at CBS News Sunday Morning: Highlights from December 28, 2025
The Emmy Award-winning “CBS News Sunday Morning,” hosted by Jane Pauley, aired its most recent episode on December 28, 2025. This weekly offering provides an insightful blend of news, human interest stories, and cultural reflections, designed to brighten the Sunday experience.
Cover Story: Celebrating the Good News of 2025
Despite a year filled with significant challenges, CBS correspondent David Pogue highlighted positive stories from 2025 that often went underreported. Topics ranged from innovations in biodegradable plastics to efforts aimed at supporting migratory bird populations, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the year’s darker narratives.
Monthly News Highlights of 2025
In a reflective segment, host Jane Pauley walked viewers through a month-by-month recap of 2025’s significant news events. Highlights included political upheavals, gun violence incidents, and the historic election of the first American-born pope, painting a vivid picture of a transformative year in U.S. history.
Music and Culture: Top Hits of 2025
“Sunday Morning” also took a nostalgic glance at the year’s top streaming hits, curated from Spotify data. This segment serves as a reminder of the cultural touchpoints that resonated with audiences in 2025, showcasing how music continues to be a pivotal aspect of our collective experience.
Special Feature: London’s Gingerbread City
In a festive celebration, correspondent Elizabeth Palmer visited the unique Gingerbread City pop-up in London. This elaborate exhibition showcased edible structures crafted by leading architects and designers, including iconic landmarks like Big Ben, all made from gingerbread, candy, and icing-a sweet treat for both the palate and the eyes.
New Year’s Resolutions: A Realistic Approach
Commentator Luke Burbank shared his approach to setting New Year’s resolutions for 2026, focusing on attainable goals. As the year comes to a close, Burbank emphasized the importance of committing to resolutions that inspire realistic change, steering clear of unattainable expectations.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Mo Rocca explored the history and significance of the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, an enduring American tradition since 1907. The segment presented the new Constellation Ball, adorned with over 5,000 handcrafted Waterford crystal discs, which will serve as the centerpiece for ringing in 2026.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Influential Figures of 2025
Correspondent Lee Cowan paid tribute to several noteworthy individuals who passed away in 2025. This reflective segment honored musicians, artists, politicians, and activists, remembering their contributions to society and the indelible marks they left behind.
Artistic Innovations: The MetroCard Art Project
As New York City’s MetroCard is set to retire on December 31, artist Thomas McKean showcased his creative use of the now-iconic plastic cards. His work transforms the everyday item into art, capturing the essence of city life through collages and miniature sculptures.
Book Recommendations for the New Year
In a special book report segment, Washington Post’s Ron Charles provided viewers with a curated list of fiction and non-fiction titles to consider for their New Year’s reading lists. Notable mentions included “Guilty by Definition” by Susie Dent and “Black Moses” by Caleb Gayle.
Archived Celebrations: Past New Year’s Features
CBS News also invited viewers to revisit classic New Year’s features from the archives. Segments included stories about New Year’s traditions, insights into “Auld Lang Syne,” and memorable advstart on handling New Year’s Eve celebrations responsibly.
For those interested in catching up on full episodes of “Sunday Morning,” they are available on demand via CBSNews.com, CBS.com, and Paramount+, and can also be streamed on various devstarts including Apple TV and Roku.
Connect with “CBS News Sunday Morning” on social media platforms to stay updated and engage with the community.
Book your upcoming hotel stay here to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience as you enter the new year.