60 Minutes Tonight: “The Family Farm, Collateral Damage, The Indomitable Margaret Atwood” November 9 2025

Sunday, November 9 brings a new hour of 60 Minutes to CBS and Paramount+, airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT. The episode offers a trio of timely stories that explore the pressures facing American farmers, the political turbulence surrounding scientific research at elite universities, and the enduring cultural influence of Margaret Atwood. Each segment captures individuals confronting uncertainty, whether tied to global markets, shifting federal priorities, or debates about censorship and storytelling.

The broadcast moves from the fields of Tennessee and Missouri to the laboratories of Harvard University, ending with a look inside the creative life of one of literature’s most celebrated voices. Together, these stories paint a picture of a nation grappling with both economic realities and cultural challenges.

The Family Farm

The episode opens with an examination of the ongoing strain placed on American farmers in the wake of China’s decision to halt soybean purchases. The move came in response to the White House’s reciprocal tariffs strategy, leaving many farming communities facing economic instability. Correspondent Cecilia Vega travels to Tennessee and Missouri to speak with farmers dealing with high production costs and shrinking crop prices. Their worries center on the possibility that they could be the generation to lose the family farm, a burden felt deeply across rural America.

The report follows daily life on the farm, capturing the impact of global trade disputes on small operations. With producer Michael Rey, Vega shows how unpredictable markets disrupt long-standing rhythms of planting, harvesting, and financial planning. The segment underscores how policy changes filter down to those who depend on stable international demand to keep their land and legacy intact.

Collateral Damage

The second story turns to Harvard University, where scientists are navigating political pressure tied to federal research funding. President Trump has accused elite universities of liberal bias and antisemitism and has signaled that research dollars may be at risk unless institutions make unspecified changes. Correspondent Bill Whitaker speaks with researchers who fear that the uncertainty could hinder life-saving scientific progress. They describe disruptions that threaten not only their current work but also America’s reputation as a global leader in innovation.

Producer Sarah Koch helps capture the tension on campus as laboratories attempt to maintain momentum despite unclear signals from Washington. Scientists explain the risks associated with delayed grants, stalled experiments, and long-term research interruptions. The segment highlights the fragile relationship between scientific independence and federal support, showing how quickly decades of advancement can be jeopardized by political conflict.

The Indomitable Margaret Atwood

The hour concludes with a profile of Margaret Atwood, one of the world’s most influential literary figures. At eighty-five, and with sixty-four books published, Atwood remains a major voice in global culture. Correspondent Jon Wertheim meets with her to discuss Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts, her newest work, which reflects on the experiences that have shaped her long career. Producer Nathalie Sommer follows their conversations as Atwood reflects on the label “prophet of doom,” a title inspired by her longstanding ability to anticipate social and political crises through fiction.

The profile also examines the lasting resonance of The Handmaid’s Tale, a novel that continues to serve as a cultural touchstone. Atwood speaks about why the story struck such a chord and how she responds to the growing number of bans on her books. Her perspective remains sharp and fearless as she explains why she refuses to be silenced, even as debates over censorship intensify. The segment offers a thoughtful look at her creativity, her legacy, and her commitment to challenging readers.

This week’s 60 Minutes presents a wide-ranging look at American life, from the fragile economics of small farming communities to the political forces shaping scientific research at major universities. The episode also celebrates the voice of a literary icon whose influence spans generations. By weaving together stories of resilience, risk, and reflection, the broadcast delivers an hour that captures the complexity of the moment and the people living through it.


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.

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