CBS's "60 Minutes" has delivered mixed ratings for its 59th season, with the season premiere dropping significantly year-over-year but the second episode rebounding with gains. This comes amid intense pressure on the programme following a major overhaul of its on-air talent and production leadership, which saw the departure of established correspondents including Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, replaced by journalists with less television experience. The network is keen to demonstrate the restructuring has stabilised the long-running newsmagazine.

The season's opening episode drew 7.94 million viewers, down 21 per cent from last year's premiere of 10.02 million, with the advertiser-favoured 25-54 demographic declining 33 per cent to 1.58 million from 2.36 million. However, the second episode reversed course, rising 5 per cent to 6.77 million overall viewers and climbing 18 per cent in the key demographic to 1.08 million, though these figures remain below last season's average of 8.16 million. The overhaul included replacing executive producer Tanya Simon with journalist and screenwriter Nick Bilton, and adding columnists Ross Douthat and contributors including Ariel Levy and Sebastian Junger. Social media engagement for the second episode reached a record 179.2 million views.