’60 Minutes’ season premiere draws 7.94 million viewers, down 21%

The season premiere of CBS News‘ “60 Minutes” averaged 7.94 million viewers Sunday, down 21% from the more than 10 million viewers who watched last year’s debut.

The Sept. 13, 2026, premiere opened the newsmagazine’s 59th season amid heightened attention following a series of editorial and personnel changes at the program.

The year-over-year comparison came with several factors that complicated the ratings picture.

CBS’s NFL coverage preceding the broadcast averaged 18.6 million viewers, also down 21% from the comparable football lead-in last year. The game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers also pushed “60 Minutes” later than scheduled in the Eastern and Central time zones.

The program began with an average of 9.4 million viewers during its first quarter-hour before falling to 6.7 million during its final 15 minutes. Part of the broadcast also competed against NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Among adults ages 25 to 54, “60 Minutes” averaged 1.58 million viewers, down 33% from 2.36 million for the 2025 season premiere.

Networks have also pointed to changes in Nielsen’s measurement methodology as a factor when comparing current ratings with previous seasons.

The premiere arrived after significant changes at “60 Minutes” earlier in 2026, including a change in executive producer and several correspondent departures. Nick Bilton now leads the program, succeeding Tanya Simon.

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The episode also introduced new correspondent Ross Douthat and featured updated graphics.

Stories included an exclusive interview with an airman who was shot down and rescued from Iran, an investigation into brokers collecting large sums to help clients secure presidential pardons and a profile of the Los Angeles Rams.