60 Minutes Tonight: “Booms, Busts and Bubbles, Sculpting Evolution, The Payam Method” May 24 2026

CBS News’ long-running newsmagazine 60 Minutes returns on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with a postseason edition featuring a mix of finance, science and culture. Airing from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+, this week’s broadcast includes updated versions of previously aired reports along with one brand-new segment.

The episode takes viewers from the uncertainty surrounding today’s stock market to a groundbreaking effort to stop Lyme disease, before ending with an inspiring look at a young music teacher whose unconventional approach is changing the lives of piano students across the country.

Booms, Busts and Bubbles Explores Whether Another Market Crash Could Be Coming

The evening begins with correspondent Lesley Stahl examining the modern financial landscape in “Booms, Busts and Bubbles.” Despite concerns surrounding global conflicts, inflation and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the stock market has continued to remain resilient and, in many cases, surge to new heights.

To better understand whether the current optimism could eventually collapse, Stahl speaks with veteran financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin. Known for his deep understanding of Wall Street and economic history, Sorkin discusses his book 1929, which revisits the infamous stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression.

The segment compares today’s market environment with the speculation and investor confidence seen nearly a century ago. As AI companies dominate headlines and valuations continue climbing, the report raises questions about whether the economy may be heading toward another dangerous financial bubble.

Viewers can also expect analysis of investor psychology and how historical patterns often repeat themselves during periods of economic excitement. The updated report arrives at a time when many Americans remain uncertain about the long-term stability of the economy.

Sculpting Evolution Looks at a Radical New Fight Against Lyme Disease

In “Sculpting Evolution,” CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook travels to Nantucket, where scientists are testing an ambitious and highly unusual strategy to combat Lyme disease.

The tick-borne illness has become an increasing concern across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Traditional prevention methods have focused on reducing tick populations or controlling deer, which help spread ticks throughout the environment. However, researchers on Nantucket are trying something entirely different.

Scientists hope to release genetically engineered wild mice that are immune to Lyme disease. Since mice are among the primary carriers that infect ticks with the disease-causing bacteria, researchers believe altering the mice could dramatically reduce transmission rates over time.

The report examines both the scientific promise and the ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering in wild animal populations. LaPook speaks directly with the researchers leading the project and explores how this experimental approach could potentially reshape the future of disease prevention.

The segment also highlights the growing urgency surrounding Lyme disease, which continues to spread into new regions each year. For many viewers, the story offers a glimpse into how biotechnology may soon play a larger role in public health solutions.

The Payam Method Introduces a Piano Teacher Changing Music Education

The night concludes with the only brand-new segment of the broadcast, “The Payam Method,” reported by correspondent Bill Whitaker.

The feature profiles 32-year-old Payam Khastkhodaei, the son of Iranian immigrants who has developed an unconventional piano teaching style that is attracting national attention. Rather than relying strictly on traditional scales and sheet music drills, Khastkhodaei has created a system designed to make music more engaging and intuitive for students.

His approach appears to be working. Students trained through the Payam Method are reportedly excelling in competitions while also developing a genuine love for learning piano. The segment explores how his teaching philosophy differs from conventional music instruction and why families are embracing it.

Whitaker also examines the growing influence Khastkhodaei has earned within the music and technology worlds. According to the report, his work has impressed both an Oscar-winning composer and a legendary tech innovator, adding even more intrigue to his rapidly rising profile.

Beyond the competitive success, the story focuses on the emotional connection students develop with music through his lessons. The report offers an uplifting conclusion to the evening by showcasing how creativity and innovation can transform education.

A Wide-Ranging Night of Reporting on 60 Minutes

This postseason edition of 60 Minutes once again demonstrates the program’s wide-ranging storytelling style. From economic uncertainty and cutting-edge science to inspiring human-interest stories, the broadcast covers topics that affect viewers in very different ways.

With updated reporting and a compelling new feature, Sunday’s episode promises a thought-provoking hour of television for longtime fans of the series.