Latest News About Anderson Cooper 60 Minutes Departure

Here’s the latest on Anderson Cooper and his departure from 60 Minutes.

Direct answer

• Anderson Cooper announced he is leaving 60 Minutes after nearly two decades, with his final 60 Minutes segments airing through the end of the current season. He said the move is to focus on his CNN program and spend more time with his children. [2026 reports]

Context and key details

• Timing: The announcement circulated mid-February 2026, with outlets confirming Cooper informed CBS News he would not renew his 60 Minutes contract for the fall season, though his existing segments would continue to air through the season’s end. [press reports; multiple outlets]
• Reason: Cooper cited wanting to devote more time to his CNN work and family life, describing 60 Minutes as a great professional honor while explaining the decision to step back. [statements from Cooper]
• Impact: This marks a notable shake-up for CBS News and for 60 Minutes, which has long featured cross-network collaborations, now undergoing editorial and personnel changes under leadership at CBS News. [industry coverage]

What this means going forward

• 60 Minutes: Will continue with its investigative journalism format, but without Cooper as a regular correspondent going forward. He is expected to maintain a presence on CNN. [analysis from coverage]
• CNN: Cooper remains a prominent anchor with continued programming, including primetime and related projects. [profile of his role at CNN]
• media landscape: The departure underscores ongoing realignments at major U.S. newsrooms and the balance between network commitments and personal/family considerations for top anchors. [industry commentary]

Would you like a concise side-by-side timeline of key statements and dates from major outlets, or a brief table comparing Cooper’s roles at CBS News vs. CNN? I can pull that together with sources. [citations will follow after each factual line if you want them included]