CBS News Sunday Morning Season 43 Episode 39 September 27, 2020

On September 27, 2020, CBS News Sunday Morning aired its 39th episode for season 43. The show continued its tradition of offering a mix of news and features, as well as profiles of people in fields ranging from the arts to science and technology.

The episode opened with a focus on the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on presidential politics, as well as the upcoming elections. Correspondent David Martin talked to Frances Townsend, who served as the homeland security adviser to President George W. Bush, about the security measures taken to protect the White House and its occupants during a pandemic and in the run-up to the elections.

The show's first feature explored the world of art restoration with a focus on Amy Restoration, a woman who has turned her love of art history into a thriving business. Correspondent Martha Teichner met up with Amy in a 19th-century mansion in New York to see her at work, restoring paintings, frames, and sculptures, and learning about the challenges that come with bringing a piece of art back to its original state.

Next, correspondent Tracy Smith explored the world of birds, meeting with bird enthusiasts and ornithologists who shared their love of these feathered creatures and why they matter now more than ever. Smith also examined the role of citizen scientists in monitoring bird populations and studying how they're affected by climate change.

The show then turned its attention to Hollywood, specifically to the Emmy Awards, which were held virtually for the first time this year due to the pandemic. Correspondent Lee Cowan spoke with a range of nominees, including actors Sterling K. Brown and Jeremy Strong, about what it was like to film shows under COVID-19 restrictions and how they're coping with all the changes.

The episode's next feature took a look at the world of competitive Scrabble, following some of the game's top players as they competed in a tournament in Las Vegas. Correspondent Susan Spencer talked to players who shared their love of the game and the strategies they use to win, as well as how the pandemic has affected Scrabble tournaments.

The final segment of the episode was a profile of chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, who is best known for his three-Michelin-star-rated restaurant, The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California. Correspondent Serena Altschul visited with Keller at his farm, where he sources many of the ingredients for his dishes, and learned about his rise to fame in the culinary world.

Overall, CBS News Sunday Morning's September 27, 2020 episode offered a mix of hard news and light features that explored a range of topics, from the pandemic's impact on politics to the world of art restoration and bird-watching. The episode showcased the show's signature style of in-depth reporting and thoughtful storytelling.