CBS Sunday Morning Preview: A Week of Romance, Sports, and Cultural Exploration
The Science and Art of Kissing: A Valentine’s Day Special
As Valentine’s Day approaches, CBS Sunday Morning delves into one of humanity’s most intimate gestures with a fascinating exploration of kissing. This week’s cover story asks the timeless question: is a kiss just a kiss? The answer, it turns out, is far more complex and interesting than you might imagine. The show brings together experts from various fields to unpack this universal human behavior. An evolutionary biologist reveals surprising insights about kissing in the animal kingdom, suggesting that this romantic gesture may have origins dating back an astounding 21 million years. It’s not just humans who pucker up – kissing behaviors can be observed throughout nature, making it a truly ancient practice that connects us to our evolutionary past.
The segment doesn’t stop at biology, though. A certified sex therapist joins the conversation to explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of kissing. Why do certain kisses stay with us for decades, creating memories that remain vivid long after the moment has passed? What makes some smooches more memorable than others? The therapist offers insights into the deep connections between physical affection and emotional bonding. To round out this romantic exploration, editors from InStyle Magazine contribute their expertise on pop culture’s most iconic kisses – those memorable movie moments and celebrity smooches that have captured our collective imagination and become part of our cultural vocabulary. From classic Hollywood romances to contemporary cinema, these unforgettable on-screen kisses have shaped how we think about romance itself.
From Surrealism to Super Bowl Sunday
This week’s episode takes viewers on a remarkable journey through art and athletics, starting with a spectacular exhibition at the Philadelphia Art Museum. As the art world celebrates 100 years of surrealism, this comprehensive exhibit showcases the movement’s most captivating paintings, sculptures, and films. Matthew Affron, the museum’s curator, guides correspondent Robert Costa through this mind-bending collection that traces surrealism’s origins and explores its enduring power to transport viewers beyond the boundaries of everyday reality. The exhibition’s goal is ambitious: to push visitors outside their comfort zones and spark genuine curiosity about the world around them. Surrealism, with its dreamlike imagery and unexpected juxtapositions, challenged conventional thinking when it first emerged, and this exhibit demonstrates how the movement continues to inspire and provoke thought a century later.
Meanwhile, sports fans are treated to an in-depth look at one of the most demanding positions in professional athletics. With Super Bowl LX approaching, correspondent Jim Axelrod explores what makes playing quarterback one of the toughest jobs in sports. The segment features Seth Wickersham, author of “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,” who provides expert analysis on what separates the good quarterbacks from the truly elite. The position requires not just physical skills but mental toughness, leadership qualities, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. As millions prepare to watch the Super Bowl, this segment offers valuable context about the players who will be commanding the field, making decisions in split seconds that could determine the outcome of the game and cement their places in sports history.
Celebrating Canine Excellence and Musical Legends
Animal lovers and music enthusiasts both have reasons to tune in this week. Correspondent Martha Teichner brings viewers inside the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of the most prestigious canine competitions in the world. From her front-row seat at Madison Square Garden, Teichner captures the charm, grace, and sheer variety of dogs competing for the coveted Best in Show title. The Westminster Dog Show represents more than just a competition – it’s a celebration of the special bond between humans and their four-legged companions, showcasing the incredible diversity of dog breeds and the dedication of owners and handlers who work tirelessly to present their dogs at their absolute best. The pageantry, the judging process, and the personalities of both the dogs and their human partners create compelling television that appeals to dog lovers and casual viewers alike.
On the musical front, CBS Sunday Morning marks a significant anniversary in rock history. Fifty years ago, the Eagles released their first “Greatest Hits” album, which would go on to become the best-selling album of all time – an achievement that still stands today. The legendary rock band continues to draw sold-out crowds decades after their formation, a testament to the timeless appeal of their music. Correspondent Tracy Smith sits down with Don Henley for an intimate conversation about the band’s enduring legacy, the creation of their classic songs, and what it means to still be performing their hits to enthusiastic audiences half a century later. The Eagles’ music has become the soundtrack of multiple generations, and this segment explores why their carefully crafted songs about love, loss, and the American experience continue to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Diamonds Under Pressure and Hockey Romance
The world of diamonds is undergoing dramatic changes, and CBS Sunday Morning investigates what’s happening to an industry that has remained remarkably stable for centuries. Correspondent Chris Livesay travels to Antwerp’s historic diamond district, which for over 500 years has been the cornerstone of the global diamond trade. An astonishing 80% of the world’s rough diamonds have passed through this Belgian city, making it the undisputed capital of the diamond world. However, that legacy now faces unprecedented challenges. The rise of lab-grown diamonds, changing consumer preferences, economic pressures, and shifting global trade patterns are all reshaping an industry that once seemed unchangeable. The segment explores whether diamonds are truly “forever” or if this precious gemstone market is experiencing transformations that could fundamentally alter its future. The story raises important questions about tradition versus innovation, natural resources versus technology, and what these changes mean for everyone from miners to jewelers to consumers.
In a lighter vein, contributor Faith Salie offers her take on why HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” has captured the internet’s attention and set social media ablaze. The show tells the story of a secret romance between rival professional hockey players, touching on themes of competition, identity, and love in unexpected places. Salie breaks down the cultural phenomenon surrounding the series and why it’s resonating with viewers. Meanwhile, as Super Bowl fans descend on the Bay Area, correspondent Conor Knighton highlights an unexpected visual spectacle near the stadium: vibrant salt pools in the southern end of San Francisco Bay. Located less than 2,500 yards from the 50-yard line at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, these colorful pools create a striking natural mosaic that provides a beautiful backdrop to the sporting event, reminding viewers that even amid major cultural events, nature offers its own spectacular displays.
Additional Segments and Looking Back
This week’s episode rounds out with several other engaging features. The show’s traditional Almanac segment looks back at historical events from February 8, including the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, offering historical context that connects past events to our present moment. The program’s Passage segment pays tribute to notable figures who passed away during the week, honoring their contributions and remembering their impact on our world. For those planning Super Bowl parties, contributor Luke Burbank – a devoted Seattle Seahawks fan – offers helpful tips for attendees who may not know much about football but want to fit in at game-watching gatherings. His humorous and practical advice helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the social aspects of this major sporting event, regardless of their football knowledge.
The episode closes with the show’s signature Nature segment, this week featuring Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, located just five miles east of Valentine, Nebraska – a fitting location given the Valentine’s Day theme running through portions of the show. Videographer Kevin Kjergaard captures the natural beauty of this protected area, providing viewers with a peaceful moment of reflection amid all the other stories of romance, competition, and cultural change. CBS News Sunday Morning continues to offer its unique blend of news, culture, arts, and nature, hosted by Jane Pauley and airing Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET on CBS, with streaming available on the CBS News app starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. The Emmy Award-winning program remains a Sunday morning tradition for millions of viewers who appreciate its thoughtful approach to storytelling and its celebration of the diverse experiences that make up American life.
