Anderson Cooper Leaves 60 Minutes: Media Veteran Bids Farewell After Nearly 20 Years

One of television journalism’s most familiar faces is stepping away from an institution. After nearly two decades reporting for CBS’s 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper has announced he will leave the iconic news program as a correspondent. The veteran journalist’s departure marks the end of a defining era for both the award‑winning show and Cooper’s long, influential career in broadcast journalism.

Cooper’s final segment aired during 60 Minutes’ Sunday broadcast on February 15, 2026, closing a chapter that began in the 2006–07 season. Since then, he’s delivered countless hard‑hitting reports on everything from global crises to deeply personal human stories, all while balancing his primary role as anchor of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° and other projects.

A Career Built on Impactful Storytelling

Known for his calm, incisive reporting and deep field experience, Cooper brought a distinctive voice to 60 Minutes. Over his tenure, he earned multiple Emmy Awards and tackled stories that ranged from the aftermath of natural disasters to the discovery of historically significant wrecks and insights on emerging social issues.

Cooper’s decision to leave 60 Minutes was driven by personal priorities. In a heartfelt statement shared with media outlets, Cooper explained that after almost 20 years of juggling his CBS duties with his work at CNN, he wants to focus more on his young children. “I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me,” he said.

Behind the Scenes: A Changing CBS News Landscape

Cooper’s exit comes amid a period of transformation and internal tension at CBS News, following leadership changes and editorial shifts under new editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss. His departure is just one of several high‑profile shifts within the network’s news division.

Even so, Cooper emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to work with 60 Minutes producers, editors and camera crews, calling it one of the true honors of his career. His final reports are a reminder of the program’s reach and influence over generations of viewers.

What This Means for 60 Minutes

60 Minutes, which just wrapped its 58th season, will continue with its slate of seasoned correspondents and fresh voices. The beloved newsmagazine has weathered the changing media landscape and maintains its status as Sunday night journalism staple. However, Cooper’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in its roster, one that will test the show’s ability to evolve without one of its most recognizable stars.

Cooper’s exit is a reminder of how much influence a single journalist can hold and how the world of TV journalism continues to shift under pressure from new leadership, changing audiences and the balancing act between personal life and a demanding career.

Whether you’ve followed his reporting since the early days or tuned in for the latest scoop on 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper’s departure is a moment worth noting as the legacy of television news continues to unfold.