Story perspectives

“60 Minutes” Premiere Hits 7.94 Million Viewers, Lowest Since 2000

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 2:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

CBS Posts Low Ratings

CBS aired the season premiere of “60 Minutes” to 7.94 million viewers, the lowest-rated opener since 2000.
Editor-in-chief Bari Weiss oversaw a revamp that dismissed Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
The episode fell 21% from last year yet remained the week’s top non-sports primetime program.
CBS reported social-video views for the premiere nearly tripled, reaching 116.7 million across its platforms.

Summary

60 Minutes Exposes Pardons

60 Minutes aired an investigation that exposed a U.S. President Donald Trump pardon scheme by Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl.
Lesley Stahl confronted officials about the costly private pardon process compared with a free public alternative.
Ross Douthat delivered a new “Last Minute” segment linking artificial intelligence concerns to the program’s future credibility.
Critics noted the premiere retained its traditional format, featuring only subtle graphics changes and familiar correspondents.

History

Historical Context

When CBS launched the investigative program “60 Minutes” in 1975, the show immediately captured 13 million viewers and reshaped broadcast journalism. The original team, led by producer Don Hewitt and featuring correspondents Mike Wallace and Morley Safer, earned three Emmy Awards within its first two seasons. Today’s season premiere, overseen by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, mirrors that debut’s turbulence as it trims veteran anchors while courting digital audiences. The 1975 breakthrough demonstrates how format overhauls can revive ratings yet provoke criticism, suggesting CBS must balance legacy credibility with evolving viewer habits.

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CBS Posts Low Ratings

CBS aired the season premiere of “60 Minutes” to 7.94 million viewers, the lowest-rated opener since 2000.
Editor-in-chief Bari Weiss oversaw a revamp that dismissed Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
The episode fell 21% from last year yet remained the week’s top non-sports primetime program.
CBS reported social-video views for the premiere nearly tripled, reaching 116.7 million across its platforms.

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