Anderson Cooper has officially bid farewell to his role on CBS’s esteemed newsmagazine, 60 Minutes. After nearly two decades with the programme, Cooper’s emotional departure was marked by a heartfelt message that resonated with viewers and colleagues alike. His final broadcast aired on May 17, three months after he announced he would be stepping down to focus on his family.
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In a reflective segment shared on YouTube, Cooper expressed how difficult it was to come to terms with his exit from a show that has been a significant part of his professional life since he joined during the 2006-07 television season. The 58-year-old journalist, who also continues to anchor CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°, spoke candidly about not fully realising the impact of leaving such an institution. “I don’t think the reality has really hit me that I’m not gonna be doing this any longer,” he confided.
The decision to leave was largely influenced by his desire to dedicate more time to his two young sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, whom he shares with his former partner Benjamin Maisani. In his farewell, Cooper reflected on how fatherhood has changed his perspective, saying, “I want to spend as much time with them as I can while they still want to spend time with me.” He further elaborated on a poignant moment while filming a segment in South Africa, recalling how he was moved to tears when a colleague shared a story about his own child.
Cooper joined 60 Minutes while still maintaining his position at CNN, establishing himself as one of the few journalists adept at juggling key roles in both cable and network television. He remains at CNN, having renewed his contract that will keep him there until December 2025. Alongside his anchoring duties, he also co-hosts CNN’s New Year’s Eve special.
Throughout his time with 60 Minutes, Cooper encountered numerous memorable experiences, ranging from “dangerous” assignments involving crocodiles to more personal challenges, like suffering temporary vision loss while jet-skiing for an interview in Portugal. He reflected on these experiences as essential parts of his career but stressed the importance of family in this stage of his life.
Looking to the future of 60 Minutes, Cooper expressed hope that the programme retains its core values, which have defined it for so long. “There are very few things that have been around as long as 60 Minutes has and maintained the quality that it has,” he remarked, noting the critical nature of maintaining viewer trust and the show’s independence. His desire for the programme to evolve while keeping true to its roots was evident in his farewell address.
In a statement issued in February, Cooper had previously described his time with 60 Minutes as one of the great honours of his professional career. He acknowledged the privilege of telling impactful stories alongside talented producers, editors, and crew members. His exit comes during a tumultuous period for CBS News, with recent changes in leadership and controversies surrounding the network.
Bari Weiss was appointed as editor-in-chief of CBS News in October 2025, following her acquisition of the news and opinion site, The Free Press. Weiss has made headlines since her appointment, including her controversial decision to pull a specific 60 Minutes segment titled “Inside CECOT.” Furthermore, the departure of longtime executive producer Bill Owens has created additional uncertainty within the newsroom.
Cooper’s departure is emblematic of a broader shift occurring within CBS News. Amid legal battles and reputational challenges, the network is navigating a transition phase marked by significant personnel changes. Despite these complexities, Cooper’s legacy at 60 Minutes stands as a testament to his commitment to journalistic excellence and storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
As he concluded his final segment, Cooper delivered his signature sign-off, “I’m Anderson Cooper,” with noticeable emotion. The impactful memories he created during his tenure at 60 Minutes will undoubtedly linger, both for him and for the countless viewers who have tuned in over the years.