Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CBS Announces Radical Revamp of 60 Minutes Amid Ratings Surge

8/8/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

CBS executives announced a radical remake of the newsmagazine “60 Minutes.”
“60 Minutes” has been America’s highest-rated newsmagazine for 58 seasons, surviving wars, impeachments and corporate dismantling of network news.
Viewership rose significantly 9% during the 2025-2026 season.
The program generated more than 2.5 billion social-media video views, according to CBS.

History

Historical Context

60 Minutes debuted on CBS September 24 1968, created by Don Hewitt and Bill Leonard with Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner. After the 1971 FCC Prime Time Access Rule, CBS moved it to Sundays, and on December 7 1975 it settled at 7 p.m., where Dan Rather joined and it became top-rated Sunday show. The 2025 remake follows overhauls that have kept program dominant, echoing its 25.1-million-viewer 2008 interview.

1 of 2

Story summary

CBS executives announced a radical remake of the newsmagazine “60 Minutes.”
“60 Minutes” has been America’s highest-rated newsmagazine for 58 seasons, surviving wars, impeachments and corporate dismantling of network news.
Viewership rose significantly 9% during the 2025-2026 season.
The program generated more than 2.5 billion social-media video views, according to CBS.

1 / 2