CBS Mornings Surges from Gayle King's Controversial Space Flight

Gayle King's brief space flight with Blue Origin, alongside Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez, generated significant attention and controversy, leading to a rare ratings win for 'CBS Mornings.' The all-female crew's 11-minute journey was heavily promoted, resulting in 3.9 million viewers on April 14 and temporarily surpassing NBC's 'Today' and ABC's 'Good Morning America.' The event drew sharp criticism from audiences and commentators who saw the trip as an expensive, tone-deaf publicity stunt, especially amid broader economic struggles. Despite the spike in viewership, the ratings boost was short-lived, with 'CBS Mornings' quickly returning to its usual third-place position in the morning show rankings. The flight sparked debate about the value and optics of celebrity space tourism, particularly regarding its cost, environmental impact, and the narrative of empowerment surrounding the mission. While the spectacle succeeded in attracting viewers and social media buzz, it did little to alter the show's long-term standing.