After delivering top stories to American households for three decades, Deborah Norville is preparing to sign off from “Inside Edition” for the last time.
The 66-year-old anchor, who holds the record as the longest-serving female anchor on national television, announced on April 2 her departure from the syndicated news program at the end of the current season. Norville has been a mainstay on the show since 1995, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in television news.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be here at Inside for all these years,” Norville stated 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 exit signifies the close of a significant era for the show, which she joined after working with NBC’s “Today,” “Street Stories,” and “48 Hours.” Her career in television began with an internship at Georgia Public Television, setting the stage for a long-lasting career in broadcast journalism.
Despite receiving what she described as a “lovely offer” to remain with the program, Norville stated she is ready for new challenges. She informed viewers that her decision was influenced by personal considerations and the desire to pursue opportunities unavailable in her current role.
“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, indicating that family considerations played a significant role in her decision-making process.
Norville will not be absent from television screens entirely. In December 2024, CBS announced that she will be hosting a new trivia game show titled “The Perfect Line,” set to premiere in Fall 2025. The show will cover various topics from world events to pop culture, designed to highlight Norville’s engaging on-screen presence.
Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, expressed confidence in Norville’s new position, noting that her “wit and charm resonate with audiences,” making her a natural fit for the hosting role.
During her time at “Inside Edition,” Norville covered some of the most important news stories of the last three decades. From the September 11 attacks to royal weddings, her reports have provided context and clarity on events that have shaped the modern world.
Her distinguished career has garnered her numerous honors, including two Emmy Awards. In 2016, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame for her contributions to television journalism.
Charles Lachman, the executive producer of “Inside Edition,” commended Norville’s influence on the show over the years. Her steady presence contributed to establishing the program as a dependable source for news and human interest stories in an ever-evolving media environment.
Norville’s departure occurs during a period of significant transformation in television broadcasting. The industry has undergone major shifts as viewing habits move 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 the passage of time during 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 decision to move on aligns with a pattern of career choices driven by personal priorities. She explained that twice before she had made career moves for personal reasons—from Chicago to NBC News in New York, and from CBS News to “Inside Edition”—and those had proven 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.
Industry observers note that Norville’s departure represents the end of a significant chapter in television news. Her stability and professionalism helped “Inside Edition” navigate three decades of media evolution, from the pre-Internet era through social media’s rise to today’s fragmented digital landscape.
Norville’s final episodes with “Inside Edition” will air later this year, offering longtime viewers a chance to bid farewell to the anchor who has been inviting them into her broadcast for 30 years.
