After nearly two decades splitting his time, Anderson Cooper has officially signed off from 60 Minutes. He wrapped his run on May 17, 2026, and if you have been wondering why a guy with a nightly CNN show kept moonlighting on CBS all these years, the answer is simple: he loved the work. The reason he is leaving now is even simpler: kids.
So, what changed?
Cooper, 58, announced in February that he was stepping away from 60 Minutes. He has been one of the show's main correspondents since 2006, all while anchoring Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN as his full-time job. The math finally stopped working. He has two young sons, Wyatt (6) and Sebastian (4), whom he co-parents with his ex, Benjamin Maisani, and he wants more time with them while they still want to hang out with dad. Hard to argue with that.
The farewell vibe
On his final episode, Cooper talked about what makes 60 Minutes tick: independence, trust with viewers, and the kind of reporting that is not cheap or fast. He also made it clear that while TV evolves, the show's core should not be sacrificed. It was a classy exit from someone who clearly respects the institution.
"I hope the core of what 60 Minutes is always remains."
"It requires time, it requires patience, it requires money."
The juggling act (and why it finally stopped)
Cooper has been blunt about the logistics. CNN is his day job, and 60 Minutes was essentially his nights and weekends. He said putting together those big magazine pieces was tough while also steering a daily news show. To make deadlines, he mostly worked weekends and burned CNN vacation days on 60 Minutes shoots. CNN, understandably, was not thrilled when he ducked out for CBS. He loved doing it, but it was a grind.
A quick salute to the show
Cooper called being a 60 Minutes correspondent one of the great privileges of his career and gave credit to the producers, editors, and camera crews who make those stories sing. He also noted the rare staying power of the franchise. 60 Minutes launched on CBS in 1968 and has managed to hold its standard for more than half a century, which in TV years is basically ancient history.
TL;DR timeline
- 1968: 60 Minutes debuts on CBS.
- 2006: Anderson Cooper joins as a main correspondent (while anchoring CNN full-time).
- February 2026: He confirms he is leaving to spend more time with his sons, Wyatt (6) and Sebastian (4), whom he co-parents with Benjamin Maisani.
- May 17, 2026: Final episode airs; Cooper, 58, says goodbye and praises the show's independence and standards.
- Now: He continues hosting CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 daily.
Bottom line
Parenthood wins this one. Cooper exits 60 Minutes with respect for the brand intact, a busy CNN schedule still on his plate, and a reminder that the kind of journalism 60 Minutes is known for takes time, patience, and yes, money. Here is hoping the show keeps all three.