Read on cbsnews.comThis Week on CBS Sunday Morning: Ken Burns, Salman Rushdie, and George Clooney Highlights
The Emmy Award-winning CBS News Sunday Morning returns with another compelling lineup for November 2, 2025, featuring exclusive interviews with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns discussing his new PBS film 'The American Revolution,' author Salman Rushdie on his first fiction collection since the 2022 attack, and George Clooney reflecting on fame and family in his new Netflix film 'Jay Kelly.' Hosted by Jane Pauley, the program also explores the crushing costs of childcare in America, features auctioneer Aurel Bac's insights into luxury watch collecting, and presents concert pianist Adam Tendler's musical tribute to his father.
The Emmy Award-winning CBS News Sunday Morning returns with another diverse and thought-provoking lineup for November 2, 2025, offering viewers a rich tapestry of cultural, political, and artistic stories. Hosted by veteran journalist Jane Pauley, the program continues its tradition of delivering in-depth features that inform, entertain, and inspire audiences across America.
Featured Stories and Interviews
This week's broadcast showcases several high-profile interviews and exclusive features that highlight the program's commitment to quality journalism and cultural coverage. From documentary filmmaking to literature and cinema, the episode offers something for every viewer interested in the arts and current affairs.
Ken Burns on America's Revolutionary Story
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, renowned for his comprehensive chronicles of the American experience, discusses his latest PBS film "The American Revolution" with correspondent John Dickerson. Burns shares insights about the importance of studying history and explains why he believes the end of the Revolutionary War did not mark the conclusion of America's ongoing revolution. The film premieres on PBS November 16 and represents another significant contribution to understanding the nation's origin story.
Salman Rushdie's Literary Return
Acclaimed author Salman Rushdie speaks with Martha Teichner about his new collection "The Eleventh Hour," marking his first published fiction since the 2022 attack that nearly claimed his life. The conversation covers Rushdie's immigrant experience in the United States, the 1989 fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini regarding "The Satanic Verses," and the critical importance of free speech in contemporary society. The collection includes short stories and a novella exploring themes of death, ghosts, and the passage of time.
George Clooney on Fame and Family
In his latest film "Jay Kelly," George Clooney portrays a world-famous movie star receiving a career tribute while grappling with personal shortcomings. Speaking with Seth Doane, Clooney discusses how he differs from his character and shares insights about maintaining normalcy for his children despite his A-list celebrity status. The film opens in theaters November 14 and begins streaming on Netflix December 5.
Additional Program Highlights
Beyond the headline interviews, this week's Sunday Morning offers a diverse range of stories that reflect the program's comprehensive approach to current events and cultural coverage.
Economic and Social Issues
The program tackles the pressing issue of childcare costs in America, with Tracy Smith speaking to Reshma Saujani, CEO and founder of Moms First, about how high childcare expenses have pushed tens of thousands of women out of the workforce this year alone. The segment includes perspectives from parents in New Mexico, the first state to offer free childcare to all residents, and features bipartisan discussion with Republican Senator Katie Britt and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who both view childcare as a critical economic issue.
Cultural and Artistic Features
Concert pianist Adam Tendler shares the moving story behind his album "Inheritances," which he commissioned using money inherited from his father. Lee Cowan reports on how Tendler transformed his distant relationship with his father into a musical tribute featuring works by 16 acclaimed composers, exploring themes of grief, loss, and parent-child relationships.
Higher Education Challenges
Robert Costa interviews Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber about the current challenges facing higher education, including government pressure on research funding and diversity programs. The discussion also features insights from former Columbia University president Lee Bollinger and former Harvard president Lawrence Summers about the complex relationship between universities and government.
Broadcast Information
CBS News Sunday Morning airs on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET and streams on the CBS News app starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. The program, under executive producer Rand Morrison, continues to deliver the quality journalism and cultural coverage that has earned it multiple Emmy Awards and a dedicated viewership.
This week's episode demonstrates the program's enduring commitment to covering the stories that matter, from high-profile interviews with cultural icons to important discussions about pressing social and economic issues. Through its diverse lineup and thoughtful approach, CBS Sunday Morning remains a Sunday morning tradition for millions of Americans seeking both information and inspiration.
