Why Is Anderson Cooper Leaving ’60 Minutes’? Inside His Departure
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Anderson Cooper officially signed off from CBS’ 60 Minutes in May 2026, marking the end of a nearly 20-year tenure as a correspondent. During his final appearance, the veteran journalist delivered an emotional farewell, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the iconic news program. “I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes,” Cooper remarked. “There’s very few things that have been around as long as 60 Minutes has and maintained the quality that it has.”
A Decision Rooted in Family
The decision to step away from the program was driven by a desire for balance. Earlier this year, the longtime CNN anchor shared that he intended to dedicate more time to his two young sons while maintaining his ongoing commitments at CNN. During his final episode, which aired on May 17, 2026, he elaborated on the importance of this transition.
“I’ve got a 4-year-old and a just now 6-year-old, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can while they still want to spend time with me,” Cooper explained. “And those days, that clock is ticking, I think.” He expressed a heartfelt wish that the program would continue to thrive for future generations, including his own children.
What’s Next for Anderson Cooper?
While his time at 60 Minutes has concluded, Cooper remains a prominent fixture in television news. He is not leaving CNN; in fact, he secured a new deal with the network in late 2025. Fans can continue to catch him hosting Anderson Cooper 360°, his popular podcast All There Is, and the network’s annual New Year’s Eve special alongside his close friend Andy Cohen.
