Anderson Cooper Bids Farewell to 60 Minutes
After more than 20 years as a correspondent for the iconic newsmagazine 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper officially signed off on Sunday, May 17. The 58-year-old journalist first announced in February that he would not renew his contract with CBS, explaining that his decision was driven by a desire to prioritize family time with his two young sons.
Final Episode and Emotional Goodbye
Cooper's final episode featured a report on how London's taxi industry is adapting to the rise of autonomous vehicles. Following the broadcast, CBS News aired an extended farewell interview in which Cooper reflected on his most memorable moments from two decades on the program. During his final sign-off, Cooper struggled to deliver his signature closing line, “I’m Anderson Cooper,” pausing and fighting back tears before repeating it three times, a long-standing tradition on the show.
Reflections on a Storied Career
In the 60 Minutes Overtime segment, Cooper looked back on some of his more extreme assignments, including diving with Nile crocodiles and riding a jet ski over massive waves in Portugal, which temporarily blinded him. He joked about the “dangerous” and “dumb” things he agreed to do for stories. However, he emphasized that the true appeal of 60 Minutes was the opportunity to step into people's lives and hear their stories firsthand. “It’s never felt like work,” Cooper said, per People. “It’s felt like you’re stepping into people’s lives, and you’re invited into their homes, into their struggles.”
Personal Decision Over Professional
Cooper explained that his young sons, ages four and six, were the primary motivation for his departure. “I’ve got a four-year-old and a just now six-year-old, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can while they still want to spend time with me,” he said on May 17. “And those days, that clock is ticking.” He also reflected on the surreal experience of joining a show he grew up admiring, walking the same halls as legendary correspondents like Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Ed Bradley, and Bob Simon.
Context of CBS News Turmoil
Cooper’s departure comes during a turbulent period for 60 Minutes and CBS News. Longtime executive producer Bill Owens left the show in April 2025 amid a legal battle with Donald Trump over edits to an interview with Kamala Harris. Paramount later settled the lawsuit for $16 million without admitting wrongdoing. Additionally, newly appointed CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss reportedly pulled a 60 Minutes segment about Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration just hours before it was set to air, sparking controversy. The segment eventually aired in January 2026. When asked whether Weiss’s appointment influenced his decision, Cooper’s representative declined to comment.
Cooper’s Future at CNN
Despite leaving 60 Minutes, Cooper will continue hosting Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN, a role he has held since 2003. He renewed his CNN contract in December 2025, which includes co-hosting the network’s annual New Year’s Eve special with Andy Cohen. Cooper’s departure from 60 Minutes marks the end of an era, but his voice in journalism remains strong on CNN.
