60 Minutes CBS “The Indomitable Margaret Atwood, Knife, Officially Amazing” February 8 2026
Airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the February 8, 2026, edition of 60 Minutes delivers three powerful segments that span the worlds of literature, survival, and record-breaking human feats. With a diverse range of subjects—from two literary icons to the wild world of world records—viewers are in for a compelling hour of storytelling and insight.
The Indomitable Margaret Atwood
This week’s broadcast begins with a profile of Margaret Atwood, one of the most influential authors of our time. Now 85, the Canadian writer has penned 64 books and continues to shape literary and cultural discussions. Best known for The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood sits down with correspondent Jon Wertheim to reflect on her newest work, Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts, and the role her dystopian fiction has played in public discourse.
Often labeled the “prophet of doom,” Atwood shares her thoughts on why her novels seem to foreshadow real-world crises. She also confronts the growing wave of book bans and explains why she refuses to be silenced. Her sharp wit and intellectual firepower remain undimmed, as this segment captures the spirit of a writer who continues to challenge power through the written word.
Knife: Salman Rushdie Breaks His Silence
In a deeply personal interview, author Salman Rushdie appears on television for the first time since the brutal 2022 attack that nearly ended his life. Speaking with Anderson Cooper, Rushdie recounts the harrowing details of the assault at a literary event in Chautauqua, New York, where he was stabbed 15 times and lost his right eye.
The segment explores Rushdie’s path from hiding under the fatwa issued against him 35 years ago to reclaiming his life and voice in the United States. His new memoir, Knife, captures the trauma and resilience that followed the attack. The conversation with Cooper delves into the impact of living under a death sentence, his slow return to public life, and the courage it took to put his experience into words. It’s a rare and candid glimpse into the mind of a man who refuses to be defined by violence.
Officially Amazing: Inside Guinness World Records
Rounding out the hour, Cecilia Vega takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the universe of Guinness World Records. Known for its mind-boggling feats and entertaining oddities, the iconic book has sold more than 150 million copies in 40 languages. But behind every outlandish achievement is a surprisingly rigorous process of verification and evidence.
This segment shines a light on the auditing system that ensures each record is not only real but meticulously documented. From firewalkers to pancake flippers, Vega showcases some of the most outrageous record holders while exploring why people strive to make history in such unique ways. The result is a colorful, upbeat look at human potential—and obsession.
Final Thoughts
Whether revisiting the legacy of a literary legend, hearing from a survivor with a powerful story to tell, or uncovering the truth behind some of the world’s strangest records, 60 Minutes on February 8 delivers an emotionally rich and intellectually engaging hour. Each segment brings a different flavor, but all underscore the power of human determination and the importance of bearing witness to remarkable lives and events.
