Millions of viewers are tuning in for 60 Minutes tonight, the acclaimed CBS news magazine that continues to define excellence in investigative journalism more than five decades after its debut. The Sunday, December 1, 2025 broadcast brings new stories that span technology, climate, and culture—three areas shaping American life as the year comes to a close.
The program airs at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (6:00 p.m. CT) on CBS, though start times may shift slightly in markets where NFL coverage runs long. For audiences preferring on-demand access, the full episode and individual reports stream afterward on Paramount+ and the CBS News digital platforms.
A Timeless Institution in Television Journalism
Since its first broadcast on September 24, 1968, 60 Minutes has set a standard for thoughtful, in-depth reporting. Created by Don Hewitt, the show introduced a documentary-style approach that transformed television news. With its recognizable ticking stopwatch and direct storytelling, the program redefined how Americans consumed information.
Over the decades, 60 Minutes has interviewed world leaders, uncovered government corruption, revealed groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and told human stories that connect deeply with audiences. Its legacy rests on one simple principle—credibility.
In an era when headlines often move faster than facts, 60 Minutes remains steady. Its methodical storytelling gives context to events shaping the world, balancing breaking news with timeless narratives that continue to resonate.
What to Expect on 60 Minutes Tonight
The December 1, 2025 episode features three new stories, each tackling a major topic with trademark depth and precision. From artificial intelligence to environmental challenges and the rebirth of Hollywood, tonight’s broadcast offers a panoramic view of modern America’s changing landscape.
Here’s the confirmed lineup for 60 Minutes tonight:
- The New Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence
Veteran correspondent Scott Pelley reports on the accelerating evolution of artificial intelligence across multiple industries. His story explores how AI tools are redefining medicine, defense, and education in the United States. The segment also addresses concerns about job displacement, data privacy, and the ethics of autonomous decision-making. Pelley interviews innovators and government leaders working to establish safety standards in an increasingly automated world. - The Climate Battle in the American West
Sharyn Alfonsi takes viewers to Colorado and Nevada, where communities are confronting unprecedented drought and rising temperatures. This story highlights the human side of climate change—the farmers, small towns, and tribal lands adapting to shrinking water supplies. With firsthand footage of depleted reservoirs and renewable energy projects, the segment paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of crisis. - Hollywood’s Creative Comeback
Closing the show, Bill Whitaker explores the revival of the American film industry after years of disruption. Whitaker profiles directors and producers shaping a new era of storytelling, focusing on the shift toward character-driven, socially conscious narratives. The segment also looks at how technology and streaming platforms are changing how movies are made and viewed.
Each story on tonight’s broadcast blends investigation with human emotion, staying true to 60 Minutes’ mission—to inform, engage, and challenge viewers to think beyond headlines.
The Journalists Leading the Broadcast
The credibility of 60 Minutes rests on its correspondents, who have built careers on fairness, rigor, and respect for the truth.
The core team includes:
- Scott Pelley, known for his insightful interviews and deep dives into global politics and science.
- Lesley Stahl, a veteran correspondent whose reporting has spanned U.S. presidencies and global conflicts.
- Sharyn Alfonsi, who brings emotional intelligence and courage to her field investigations.
- Bill Whitaker, celebrated for his thoughtful coverage of culture, technology, and social issues.
- Anderson Cooper, whose global reporting adds a fresh, contemporary voice to the lineup.
Together, these journalists carry forward the legacy of pioneers like Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, and Ed Bradley—reporters who helped shape public understanding for generations.
Why 60 Minutes Still Leads Sunday Television
Even in 2025, 60 Minutes remains one of CBS’s highest-rated shows. The program consistently draws an average audience of over 8 million viewers per week, placing it among the top Sunday broadcasts across all U.S. networks.
What makes the show endure is its commitment to clarity and accuracy. Viewers know they can trust what they see on 60 Minutes. In a world dominated by opinion-driven content, the show’s evidence-based approach feels refreshingly direct. Each segment goes through exhaustive research and multiple editorial reviews before it reaches the air.
That dedication to precision has earned 60 Minutes more Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards than any other news program in television history.
The Signature Storytelling Style
The storytelling rhythm of 60 Minutes has remained remarkably consistent since its creation. The program avoids unnecessary dramatization, relying instead on strong visuals and clear language. A typical report follows a straightforward structure—an opening question, a journey through evidence, and a closing insight that lingers after the broadcast ends.
This minimalist approach is one reason 60 Minutes appeals to audiences across generations. The focus isn’t on flashy production or celebrity appeal; it’s on facts and human experience. Every word and image serves the story.
Highlights From Recent Broadcasts
In the past few months, 60 Minutes has continued to produce high-impact journalism that defines public dialogue. Some notable stories this season include:
- Lesley Stahl’s interview with a leading cybersecurity expert exposing vulnerabilities in global power grids.
- Anderson Cooper’s report from Antarctica, exploring the latest scientific findings on melting ice and global sea rise.
- Bill Whitaker’s investigation into fentanyl trafficking networks, showing how U.S. communities are fighting back against addiction.
These features reaffirm 60 Minutes’ role as a program that doesn’t just report events—it contextualizes them, helping audiences understand their broader meaning.
Cultural Influence and Public Trust
Few television programs have shaped American culture the way 60 Minutes has. Its investigations have prompted legal reforms, corporate accountability, and policy change. Over the decades, the show has brought public attention to hidden injustices—from environmental pollution to political cover-ups—and has consistently challenged those in power to answer tough questions.
The show’s influence extends beyond politics. 60 Minutes has chronicled pivotal moments in science, sports, and entertainment, capturing both triumph and tragedy with equal honesty.
That cultural credibility explains why generations of Americans end their weekend with the familiar sound of the stopwatch. It’s not just a broadcast—it’s a ritual of trust.
Behind the Camera: The Work That Makes It Happen
Producing a single segment for 60 Minutes often takes months of preparation. Reporters and producers begin with an idea, conduct field research, verify details, and shoot extensive interviews. Once the material is gathered, editors condense hours of footage into concise, compelling television.
Each segment undergoes multiple levels of fact-checking before it’s approved for air. This rigorous process is what ensures the show’s accuracy—a standard rarely matched in broadcast journalism today.
Adapting to the Digital Age
While 60 Minutes remains a Sunday night staple, it has successfully transitioned into the digital world. Viewers can now stream episodes anytime through Paramount+, and shorter clips are available on CBS News’ YouTube and social channels.
The digital strategy has attracted younger audiences who might not watch traditional television but still value credible storytelling. The combination of broadcast prestige and streaming convenience keeps 60 Minutes relevant in a fast-changing media landscape.
The 60 Minutes Format That Works
The magic of 60 Minutes lies in its simplicity. Each episode usually features three distinct reports—no sensational music, no rushed transitions, and no bias-laden commentary. The stopwatch ticks, the reporter narrates, and the story unfolds.
This format invites viewers to engage with information thoughtfully rather than passively. It’s journalism that respects intelligence and rewards curiosity.
Looking Ahead to Future Episodes
CBS has announced that upcoming episodes will tackle issues central to the 2026 election season, new breakthroughs in medical research, and profiles of innovators reshaping American industries. As always, the reporting will reflect the show’s core mission: to investigate, explain, and inspire through truth.
Viewers can expect more on-location reporting from around the world, interviews with influential figures, and features on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Why Viewers Still Trust 60 Minutes Tonight
The enduring popularity of 60 Minutes tonight speaks to something deeper than nostalgia. It reflects the public’s continued hunger for journalism that respects facts over sensationalism.
Every week, the show bridges generations—those who’ve watched since the 1970s and newcomers discovering it through streaming. The format may be simple, but the impact is profound: 60 Minutes remains the place where America goes for understanding.
60 Minutes tonight once again proves why it stands as the benchmark of journalistic integrity, storytelling precision, and cultural relevance. Don’t miss the stories shaping this week’s conversation—only on CBS.
FAQ
Q1: What time does 60 Minutes air tonight?
It airs on CBS at 7:00 PM ET/PT (6:00 PM CT). In some areas, the start time may shift if NFL coverage runs long.
Q2: Who are the correspondents featured tonight?
Tonight’s lineup includes Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Bill Whitaker, each reporting on separate segments.
Q3: Can I watch 60 Minutes online?
Yes. Episodes and individual stories are available on Paramount+ and the CBS News streaming platform after airing.
Q4: How long is each broadcast?
Each episode runs about one hour, including commercial breaks.
Q5: Why is 60 Minutes considered iconic?
Because it combines investigative rigor, emotional storytelling, and factual precision in a format trusted for more than 50 years.
Disclaimer
This article presents verified information about the 60 Minutes episode airing on December 1, 2025, based on the most recent CBS programming schedule. Details such as airtime and segment order may be subject to local network adjustments.