After nearly two decades, journalist Anderson Cooper is stepping down as a correspondent for CBS’s 60 Minutes, marking a significant shift for the long-running newsmagazine. The decision, reported initially by Breaker, comes as Cooper prioritizes spending more time with his young children, according to a statement released Monday. His final segment, an interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, aired Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Cooper’s departure isn’t a complete severing of ties with CBS, but rather a refocusing on his primary role at CNN. He will continue to anchor Anderson Cooper 360 and host the newsmagazine The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, as well as his podcast and streaming series, All There Is. The arrangement allowing Cooper to contribute to both CNN and 60 Minutes had been in place for almost 20 years, a unique agreement between the two networks.
Balancing Act and Family Priorities
In a statement, Cooper explained his decision, stating, “Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and operate with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. For nearly twenty years, I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I desire to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me.” He is a father to two children, Wyatt, 5, and Sebastian, 4.
Turbulence at 60 Minutes and CBS News
Cooper’s exit occurs during a period of internal change at 60 Minutes and CBS News. The program faced scrutiny in 2024 when a segment involving former President Donald Trump and an interview with Kamala Harris prompted a lawsuit from Trump. Paramount Global ultimately settled the suit for $16 million, a move viewed as crucial to securing regulatory approval for a potential sale to Skydance, Reuters reported. The settlement led to the resignations of both the show’s executive producer, Bill Owens, and the head of the news division, Wendy McMahon.
More recently, a segment concerning the Trump administration’s deportations to El Salvador was temporarily pulled from broadcast after being promoted, sparking internal criticism. Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent who reported the segment, reportedly sent a memo to colleagues characterizing the decision as “political” and an instance of corporate interference. Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, defended the decision, stating the segment required further development and the inclusion of perspectives from Trump administration officials. The segment eventually aired four weeks later with an expanded introduction and postscript, but without the participation of any Trump administration representatives.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Journalism
Throughout his tenure at 60 Minutes, beginning in the 2006-2007 season, Cooper’s work has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards. His reports included a profile of jazz prodigy Joey Alexander and a story about African prison inmates whose music earned a Grammy. These segments, along with many others, demonstrated his ability to deliver compelling and impactful long-form journalism.
What’s Next for 60 Minutes?
Cooper’s departure marks the first major on-air change under the leadership of Bari Weiss, who is navigating a period of transition for the storied news program. The focus now shifts to how Weiss will reshape the program’s direction and fill the void left by Cooper’s departure. The network has not yet announced any plans for a replacement.
As Anderson Cooper refocuses on his commitments at CNN and family life, his legacy at 60 Minutes remains one of impactful storytelling and dedication to journalistic excellence. Share your thoughts on this news in the comments below.
