60 Minutes CBS “The Promise, The Land of Declining Sons” August 17 2025

This Sunday, 60 Minutes returns with a special postseason edition featuring two compelling, previously broadcast segments that have been updated with new insights and reporting. Airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, the hour promises in-depth reporting and stories that remain as relevant today as when they first aired.

The Promise

In a double-length segment, Scott Pelley revisits the ongoing efforts to bring closure to families affected by the September 11 attacks. Twenty-three years later, over 1,000 families are still waiting for news about loved ones lost in the World Trade Center. Pelley goes inside the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner’s laboratory to explore the advanced DNA research and new forensic techniques that are helping to identify remains. This segment highlights the determination and dedication of the scientists and investigators working tirelessly to honor the promise made to families of the victims. Nicole Young serves as producer for this important report.

The Land of Declining Sons

Correspondent Jon Wertheim examines a different, yet equally pressing, global issue: declining populations in certain countries. While the world population has recently surpassed eight billion, growth is far from uniform. Japan, for example, faces a steeply declining birth rate and a population expected to shrink by half by the end of the century. Wertheim’s reporting looks at the demographic, cultural, and societal impacts of this trend in Japan. Jacqueline Williams produces this segment, providing viewers with an informative look at how population shifts are reshaping the world.

Tune in Sunday evening for these two thought-provoking stories on 60 Minutes, offering both personal and global perspectives on issues that continue to shape lives and societies.