60 Minutes season premiere hits 25-year viewership low

The Season 59 premiere of ‘60 Minutes’ recorded its lowest viewership since at least 2000, according to Nielsen data. The broadcast drew approximately 7.9 million viewers, representing a roughly 21% decline compared to the previous season's premiere, which averaged over 10 million viewers. The decline was even more pronounced in the key 25-to-54 demographic, which saw a 33% year-over-year drop.

This premiere marks the first full season following significant leadership and staff changes at CBS News under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The overhaul included the departure of several veteran correspondents and the appointment of Nick Bilton as executive producer. The episode also drew social media scrutiny following an interview with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding a military operation in Iran.

Analysts noted that the ratings were also impacted by a weaker NFL lead-in, which saw a 22% decline in viewership compared to the previous year. While traditional broadcast numbers fell, CBS reported a significant increase in digital engagement, with social media video views tripling compared to the last season's debut.