One of television’s longest-running programs is still one of its most-watched. The iconic 60 Minutes was the No. 9 program for the week of May 21, delivering 8.25 million total viewers. Per Nielsen, this represents the 22nd time this season 60 Minutes made Nielsen’s Top 10 weekly programs list – 16 times landing at No. 5 or better.
The broadcast featured Scott Pelley’s report about cities and houses of worship offering illegal immigrants sanctuary, Lesley Stahl’s story on Chicago’s Cook County Jail, and Holly Williams’ profile of Chinese activist artist Ai Weiwei.
The CBS news magazine completed its 49th season up +1 percent in total viewers, making it the only broadcast news magazine to post season-over-season total audience growth in 2016-2017.
It’s averaging 12.39 million viewers, up from the previous season’s 12.3 million viewer average, and will likely post more gains as DVR-delayed data rolls in.