Anderson Cooper to Leave ‘60 Minutes' on CBS
Mr. Cooper said in a statement that he was leaving as a correspondent for the show to focus on his CNN program and spend more time with his children.
www.nytimes.comHere’s the latest I can share on Anderson Cooper and his departure from 60 Minutes.
Answer
- Anderson Cooper confirmed he is leaving 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years with CBS, with his final contribution expected to air through the end of his current run. This marks a major staffing shake-up at CBS News amid broader changes under new leadership. He cited a desire to spend more time with his children and to focus on his CNN duties as part of the context for his departure. [Sources: multiple outlets reporting Feb 2026 announcements on Cooper’s exit, including NBC News, The New York Times, and others.]
Context and key details
- Timing and reason: Cooper announced his departure in February 2026, stating he wants to devote more time to his family while continuing his work on CNN and his other commitments. This has been framed as part of CBS News’ broader leadership and personnel changes at the time. [NBC News; NYT; others.]
- Impact on 60 Minutes: The show acknowledged Cooper’s significant contributions over two decades and indicated his departure would be part of CBS News’ ongoing realignment under Bari Weiss’s leadership. The change is described as one of several high-profile exits during this period. [NYT; Advocate/Out coverage; NBC News variations.]
- What’s next for Cooper: While he’s stepping away from 60 Minutes, he remains a high-profile figure at CNN, and CBS has left open the possibility of future collaborations or return, should timing align with both parties. [NYT; CBS statements reported by outlets.]
Illustration
- Timeline snapshot:
- 2006: Cooper joins 60 Minutes as a correspondent.
- 2026: Announces departure from 60 Minutes to focus on CNN and family.
- 2026 onward: Potential continued or expanded CNN responsibilities; future CBS appearances uncertain.
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