The season premiere of CBS News' '60 Minutes' drew 7.9 million viewers on Sunday, according to Nielsen data, marking a 21% decline from the same time last year. The episode, which featured an exclusive interview with an Air Force officer shot down over Iraq, also fell below the 2025-26 season average of 9.1 million viewers for the program.
The premiere followed a major promotional campaign, including a high-profile interview with a U.S. military pilot, but aired during a weaker NFL lead-in. The Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game, which preceded the show, drew 18.6 million viewers, a 22% drop compared to a comparable broadcast window last year. CBS did not hold the exclusive late Sunday NFL window this season, as Fox aired a separate game during the time slot.
New leadership, revamped format
The premiere marked the first ratings report for '60 Minutes' under CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss, who took over in May and appointed Nick Bilton as lead producer. The program underwent significant changes this summer, including the departures of longtime correspondents Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Anderson Cooper. Pelley publicly criticized Bilton’s leadership before his exit, alleging Weiss had "murdered" the show’s telecast.
CBS News highlighted online viewership growth, noting the program tripled its social media reach compared to previous seasons. The premiere’s segments included interviews with a U.S. Air Force pilot, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, and individuals described as "pardon brokers" who claim influence over presidential pardons.
Industry context and industry response
Broadcasters have blamed Nielsen for ratings declines, with the NFL raising concerns about changes to the company’s viewer-counting methodology. The first week of NFL games in 2026 saw significant viewership drops compared to the prior year, further complicating the lead-in for '60 Minutes'. CBS has not commented on the premiere’s performance beyond internal memos praising the show’s digital engagement.
The premiere’s ratings come amid broader shifts in the television landscape, where traditional broadcast news programs face competition from streaming platforms and changing viewer habits. '60 Minutes', a long-running institution, has historically relied on its NFL lead-in and high-profile interviews to maintain audience numbers.