Short answer: Anderson Cooper announced he is leaving 60 Minutes in early 2026, with reports confirming he will exit CBS News to focus on his CNN program and spend more time with family.
Latest details and context
- What happened: Cooper disclosed in February 2026 that he would depart CBS News’ 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years, with his contributions continuing through the current season as needed. This marked a significant leadership and staffing shake-up at CBS News during Bari Weiss’s tenure as editor-in-chief. [Sources report confirms and quotes his intent to reduce duties at 60 Minutes while continuing his CNN role and other projects] [Web sources: Feb 16–17, 2026 coverage across outlets, including CBS/Associated reporting and follow-ups].
- Why he’s leaving: He cited a desire to spend more time with his children and balance his commitments between CNN and CBS, signaling a shift to prioritize family time while maintaining other broadcasting roles. [NYTimes, NBC News summaries]
- Broader context: The departure is part of a wider CBS News reshaping under new leadership, which has included changes in on-air talent and strategic direction for the network’s news programming. [Reports from multiple outlets in February 2026]
What this means for viewers
- 60 Minutes: Cooper’s long affiliation with the program will end, likely prompting replacements or new contributor arrangements as CBS News reorganizes its talent lineup. [Multiple reports from Feb 2026]
- CNN: Cooper remains a key figure at CNN, continuing to host his own program, which will now be his primary anchor role alongside his time spent with family. [NBC News, NYTimes coverage]
Illustrative timeline
- Feb 2026: Reports emerge that Cooper will leave 60 Minutes after two decades with CBS News; confirmation and details follow from major outlets. [Web coverage]
- Through 2026: CBS News confirms retirement from 60 Minutes while emphasizing gratitude for his contributions and potential future return possibilities, as offices and leadership navigate the transition. [Web coverage]
If you’d like, I can pull up the most recent official statements from CBS News and Cooper, or summarize how other CBS faces are being affected by the shake-up. I can also provide a quick bullet-point comparison of Cooper’s roles at 60 Minutes vs. CNN for clarity.
Sources
Anderson Cooper is preparing to step away from 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent, marking a significant moment for the long-running CBS News broadcast amid ongoing turmoil within the company.The veteran journalist, who...
www.geo.tvAnderson Cooper is leaving CBS News'
www.ksl.comCooper cited a desire to spend more time with his children as reason for his departure.
www.nbcnews.comAnderson Cooper is leaving CBS News’ “60 Minutes” program after nearly two decades, in the latest staffing shake-up to hit the storied news magazine and network
clubofmozambique.comMr. 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.comIt's the latest shake-up at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
www.advocate.comIt's the latest shake-up at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
www.pride.comAnderson Cooper confirmed that he's leaving 60 Minutes after two decades. iHeart
www.iheart.comIt's the latest shake-up at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
www.out.com