Anderson Cooper signed off from his final episode of the CBS newsmagazine "60 Minutes" on Sunday, May 17, 2026 [1], [2].
Cooper's departure marks the end of a significant era for one of the most prestigious programs in U.S. broadcast journalism. His tenure as a correspondent provided a bridge between traditional long-form reporting and the modern digital news cycle.
The farewell occurred during the Season 58 finale [3]. This broadcast served as the official conclusion to a tenure that lasted nearly 20 years [1]. Cooper has been a staple of the program, contributing to its reputation for high-impact investigative reporting, and global storytelling.
The exit follows an announcement made in February 2026 [4]. At that time, Cooper said he would not renew his contract with CBS [4]. This decision paved the way for the sign-off aired this past Sunday.
While some observers have questioned if this move signals a wider shift in his career, the available information focuses specifically on his role at CBS [5]. Cooper remains a primary anchor for CNN, and there has been no official confirmation regarding his status at that network.
Throughout his nearly 20 years with the program [1], Cooper covered a vast array of international conflicts and political developments. His departure leaves a vacancy in the "60 Minutes" correspondent pool during a period of continued transition for legacy media networks.
“Anderson Cooper signed off from his final episode of the CBS newsmagazine "60 Minutes".”
The departure of a high-profile journalist like Cooper from a legacy institution like "60 Minutes" reflects a broader trend of veteran anchors renegotiating their roles across multiple platforms. By choosing not to renew his contract, Cooper may be seeking a different balance between his duties at CNN and his independent reporting, though his exit from CBS specifically concludes a two-decade chapter of prestige journalism.
