Why Anderson Cooper left 60 Minutes: Departure explained

Anderson Cooper Farewell 60 minutes After 20 years as a reporter for the show.

“There are very few things that have been around as long as ’60 Minutes’ and maintained the quality that it has,” said Cooper, 58. At the final show in May 2026. “Things can always evolve and change, and I think that’s fantastic, and things should evolve and change, but I hope the core of 60 Minutes always stays the same.”

“60 Minutes” premiered on CBS in 1968. Cooper served as one of the show’s lead reporters in 2006. He confirmed his exit Starting with the February 2026 show.

“As a journalist, 60 minutes “This is one of the greatest honors of my career,” Cooper told Variety in a statement at the time. “I got to tell amazing stories and work with some of the best producers, editors and crews in the industry.”

He added, “For nearly 20 years, I’ve been able to balance working at CNN and CBS, but now that I have kids, I want to spend as much time with them as possible, and they still want to spend time with me.”

Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about Cooper’s departure 60 minutes:

Why did Anderson Cooper leave ’60 Minutes’?

Cooper’s February 2026 statement explained the reasons for his departure. The reporter said he wanted to spend more time with Wyatt, 6, and Sebastian, 4, whom he shares with his ex-boyfriend. Benjamin Maisani.

When is the last episode of Anderson Cooper’s 60 Minutes?

On May 17, 2026, the journalist said his final farewell to the show.

“I think independence 60 minutes It’s always been critical. I think the trust of the audience is crucial to the success of the film 60 minutes,” Cooper said in his farewell speech. “When you see a 60 minutes Stories, you say, ‘That’s a good story,’ and it’s a good story because it takes time, it takes patience, it takes money. “

He added, “I hope this is understood, respected, valued and continues.”

Is 60 Minutes Anderson Cooper’s only job?

No, he made that clear in the show’s final episode.

“I’ve been creating work 60 minutesmy full-time job at CNN ended, and it still does,” he explained. “It’s really challenging to do the kind of work you need to do to have a good life. 60 minutes piece.

Cooper noted that CNN ‘wouldn’t like it’ if he took time off 60 minutes.

“My job is mainly to 60 minutes weekends,” he added. “I’ve been working on it during my vacation at CNN 60 minutes pieces. I loved it, but it was tough. “

Cooper will continue to host his daily show Anderson Cooper 360° CNN.