CBS’s 60 Minutes returns Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a compelling three-part broadcast airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT following coverage of the Masters. This week’s program spans global religion and politics, a growing safety threat on American highways, and a scientific mystery unfolding off the coast of South Africa. With reporting from Norah O’Donnell, Bill Whitaker, and Anderson Cooper, the broadcast delivers a mix of international insight, investigative journalism, and environmental intrigue.
Contents
Pope Leo’s Church
Nearly one year after the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, 60 Minutes takes a closer look at how his leadership is shaping the Catholic Church during a time of global tension. Norah O’Donnell sits down with three prominent American cardinals in their first joint interview to discuss the direction of the Church under the new pontiff. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark offer insight into Pope Leo’s stance on major issues, including the war with Iran and immigration policies in the United States.
The segment explores how Pope Leo has positioned the Church as a moral voice on the world stage, continuing themes emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The cardinals reflect on the challenges and responsibilities of guiding a global faith community while addressing political and humanitarian concerns that resonate far beyond the Vatican.
O’Donnell’s report also takes viewers to Italy, where she visits Castel Gandolfo, the centuries-old papal summer residence. Under Pope Leo’s leadership, the property is being opened to serve broader humanitarian purposes, including support for migrants and underserved communities. The transformation of this historic site highlights a continued effort to align the Church’s traditions with modern social needs.
Risk on the Road
Bill Whitaker leads an investigation into a troubling trend within the commercial trucking industry that poses a growing danger on American roadways. The report focuses on so-called “chameleon carriers,” trucking companies that evade federal safety regulations by repeatedly rebranding and reorganizing under new identities. These fleets often accumulate serious violations before resurfacing under a different name, making oversight difficult.
The segment examines how these operations are linked to a higher likelihood of severe crashes, raising concerns about enforcement gaps and public safety. Whitaker highlights the complexity of tracking these networks, many of which are described as being foreign owned or operated, and the challenges regulators face in shutting them down.
At the center of the investigation is Super Ego, a network of trucking and leasing companies currently under federal scrutiny and named in a class action lawsuit. Through interviews and reporting, 60 Minutes sheds light on how such systems operate and the risks they pose to everyday drivers. The story underscores the broader implications for road safety and the need for stronger regulatory measures.
What Happened to the Great White Sharks?
Anderson Cooper travels to Cape Town, South Africa, to investigate a mystery that has puzzled scientists and conservationists for years. Once known as a prime location for spotting great white sharks, the region has seen a dramatic decline in sightings. The mystery deepened when several sharks began washing ashore with their livers removed, raising questions about what could be targeting these apex predators.
The report delves into competing theories about the cause of these unusual deaths. Some researchers point to orcas as possible culprits, citing evidence of coordinated hunting behavior, while others remain skeptical and suggest alternative explanations. The lack of consensus has sparked ongoing debate within the scientific community.
Beyond the mystery itself, the segment highlights the broader ecological impact of the sharks’ disappearance. Great whites play a critical role in maintaining balance within marine ecosystems, and their decline could have far-reaching consequences. Cooper’s reporting captures both the scientific investigation and the human element, as experts work to understand what is happening beneath the surface.
With its blend of global issues, investigative reporting, and environmental storytelling, this edition of 60 Minutes offers a wide-ranging look at some of the most pressing and intriguing topics shaping the world today.
About 60 Minutes
60 Minutes is America’s most iconic television newsmagazine, delivering investigative journalism, in-depth interviews, and compelling stories since 1968. Airing Sunday nights on CBS, the program is known for its powerful reporting style and groundbreaking segments that continue to shape public conversations.
Created by Don Hewitt, 60 Minutes introduced a unique format that revolutionized broadcast journalism. Instead of a single anchor delivering the news, the program uses correspondents who report three to four stories in each episode. Its distinctive stopwatch opening has become one of television’s most recognizable trademarks.
Over more than five decades, the show has covered global politics, science, business, culture, and human-interest stories, earning dozens of Emmy Awards and multiple Peabody Awards.
The Correspondents
60 Minutes is anchored by Lester Holt, with a team of respected correspondents including Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Bill Whitaker, Sharyn Alfonsi, Jon Wertheim, and Anderson Cooper. Each brings a distinct voice and reporting style, offering viewers a diverse range of perspectives and storytelling.
The correspondents are known for hard-hitting interviews, often pressing world leaders, CEOs, and cultural icons with tough but fair questions.
When is 60 Minutes On?
60 Minutes typically airs on Sunday nights at 7:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, though airtimes may be delayed during NFL season due to football game overruns. Episodes are also available to stream live and on-demand via Paramount+, giving fans the flexibility to watch anytime.
Each week’s broadcast features three to four separate stories, often mixing investigative reports with cultural profiles and lighter features.
Why Watch 60 Minutes?
For decades, 60 Minutes has been regarded as the gold standard in investigative journalism. Its reports frequently make headlines, influence policy discussions, and spark national debates.
From groundbreaking interviews with U.S. presidents to deep dives into international conflicts, scientific discoveries, and cultural phenomena, the program provides viewers with trusted and thought-provoking coverage.
60 Minutes remains one of the most respected and enduring programs on American television. With its legacy of storytelling and commitment to truth, it continues to engage audiences every Sunday night. Bookmark this page to stay updated on 60 Minutes schedules, stories, and reports.
