Television series
CBS News Sunday Morning
- Dip in and out
A ninety-minute Sunday morning news magazine that moves at its own pace. Intelligent, unhurried segments on arts, science, nature, and human interest stories, hosted with genuine warmth by Jane Pauley. For people who want their news thoughtful rather than breathless, and their weekends to start quiet.
If you liked this
60 Minutes1968
The gold standard of investigative journalism. Sharp reporting, memorable storytelling, and segments that stick with you for days. Built the template that Sunday Morning follows.
But Can feel formulaic after decades on air. Some investigations resolve into familiar patterns, and the tone occasionally tips toward satisfied rather than curious.
Cosmos1980
Neil deGrasse Tyson brings wonder and rigour to the universe. Beautifully made, scientifically honest, and genuinely moving about humanity's place in things. Pure intellectual joy.
But Leans heavily on awe and music. If you prefer your science drier and faster-paced, the reverent tone might feel slow.
Planet Earth II2016
David Attenborough's narration glides over stunning cinematography of the natural world. Peaceful, awe-struck, and genuinely informative. Perfect Sunday morning viewing.
But The pacing is deliberately slow; this is not for anyone wanting quick cuts and urgent music. Also, some animal predation scenes might upset sensitive viewers.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from CBS News Sunday Morning
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Smack the Pony1999
Both believe the unhurried examination of a single thing—a painting, a house, a person—is worth ninety minutes of your Sunday. Both trust their audience to be moved by beauty and craft alone.
A design-focused magazine show about objects, spaces, and how people live. Uses the same patient, visual storytelling as Sunday Morning but finds drama in domestic life and architecture. Gorgeously made.
But Available on Dropout, a subscription service most people haven't heard of. Also very design-focused—if interiors bore you, it will too.
More like this (5)
The New Yorker Presents2015
Short essays adapted from the magazine—thoughtful, finely observed, about culture and people. Feels like the TV equivalent of flipping through a great magazine over coffee.
But At only six episodes, it's more of a taste than a meal. Also cancelled quickly, so it never built momentum or audience.
Sherlock2010
PBS's umbrella for high-end drama and literary adaptations. Consistent quality, intelligent casting, and the kind of storytelling that rewards attention. Often beautiful to watch.
But The word 'Masterpiece' sets an expectation some episodes don't meet. Quality varies by season and by which adaptation you land on.
American Masters1986
Documentary series about major figures in American culture—artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers. Archival footage, fresh interviews, and the kind of depth that makes you understand why they mattered.
But Assumes a baseline cultural literacy. If you don't know who the subject is, the first episode can feel like showing up late to a conversation.
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction2018
Both shows—Sunday Morning and Letterman's interview series—believe that the best storytelling is slow storytelling, and that knowing someone deeply matters more than knowing everyone shallowly.
Long-form conversations with one major figure per episode. Letterman is genuinely curious, asks real questions, and lets silences breathe. Feels like eavesdropping on two people actually talking.
But Very dependent on who the guest is that week. If you don't care about that person, an hour can feel very long. Also only six episodes per season.
The Salt of the Earth2014
Like Sunday Morning, it understands that attention is respect. Both spend time with subjects to find not headlines but humanity. Both believe the camera, or the notebook, is an act of witnessing.
A documentary about the photographer Sebastião Salgado. Shot by Wim Wenders, it's meditative and visual, about how art documents human suffering and dignity. Genuinely moving.
But It's a film, not a series, so you get one evening instead of a habit. Also deals with poverty, migration, and environmental devastation—beautiful but heavy.
People
Cast
Jane PauleyHost
