Anderson Cooper Announces He’s Leaving Popular Show After Nearly 20 Years

Anderson Cooper’s time on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” appears to be coming to an end after nearly 20 years, Variety reports.

“Being a correspondent at ’60 Minutes’ has been one of the highlights of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business,” Cooper said in a statement to the outlet. “For nearly twenty years, I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they want to spend time with me.”

Cooper first began on “60 Minutes” during the 2006-2007 season. Over the years, his segments have won multiple Emmys.

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Fans React To Anderson Cooper Leaving ’60 Minutes’

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“What a remarkable run. Journalism won’t be the same without his voice on 60 Minutes,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“60 Minutes just lost its steadiest voice. Anderson Cooper,” another person commented.

“Anderson Cooper’s reported exit from 60 Minutes closes out nearly 20 years of impactful journalism. Few broadcasters have balanced prime-time anchoring and long-form investigative work the way he has. End of an era,” someone shared.

“End of an era! Anderson Cooper leaves 60 Minutes after 20 years of groundbreaking journalism,” one person said.

“Nearly two decades of sharp reporting and iconic interviews….Anderson Cooper will definitely leave a big mark on ‘60 Minutes.’ Wishing him the best in whatever’s next,” another person posted.

“If the reports are accurate it would mark the end of a significant chapter for both Anderson Cooper and 60 Minutes His long-form reporting and on-the-ground storytelling added depth and credibility to the program over the years,” someone said.

“End of an era on 60 Minutes Anderson Cooper’s 20 years of fearless reporting and that signature calm under pressure? Legendary. Wishing him the best in whatever comes next—can’t wait to see where his journalism takes him!,” one person stated.

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Anderson Cooper Recently Signed A New Deal With CNN

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In December 2025, Cooper signed a new deal with CNN that allows him to stay with the network, including putting a “new emphasis on digital outreach and creating content that resonates with viewers who choose to subscribe to a recently-launched broadband service.”

This comes after there were rumors he could look to move networks after he switched talent agencies from United Talent Agency to Creative Artists Agency. But in the end, he decided to stick with CNN.