60 Minutes CBS “Booms, Busts and Bubbles, Sculpting Evolution, The Payam Method” May 24 2026
CBS News’ long-running newsmagazine 60 Minutes returns on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with a postseason edition featuring updated reports and one brand-new segment. Airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+, this week’s broadcast takes viewers from the uncertainty of modern financial markets to a groundbreaking scientific experiment aimed at stopping Lyme disease, before ending with an inspiring look at a piano teacher redefining music education.
The episode combines economics, medicine and culture in a way that has become a trademark of the series, with correspondents Lesley Stahl, Dr. Jon LaPook and Bill Whitaker leading the reports.
Lesley Stahl Examines Fears of Another Market Crash
The evening begins with “Booms, Busts and Bubbles,” a timely segment exploring why financial markets continue to remain strong despite global instability, economic concerns and growing fears surrounding artificial intelligence investments. With many investors wondering whether another financial collapse could be looming, Lesley Stahl speaks with respected financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin about the lessons of history.
Sorkin, widely known for his reporting on Wall Street and economic crises, discusses his book 1929, which revisits the infamous stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression. The conversation focuses on whether current market conditions bear similarities to the speculation and optimism that defined the late 1920s.
The segment arrives at a moment when conversations about AI-driven investment bubbles have become increasingly common. As companies tied to artificial intelligence continue to attract massive valuations, concerns have emerged about whether enthusiasm is outpacing reality. Stahl’s interview aims to place today’s economic climate into historical perspective while examining the psychology that often fuels financial booms and devastating crashes.
Producer Shachar Bar-On helps guide the report, which combines economic analysis with historical insight to explore one of the most pressing financial questions facing investors today.
Scientists on Nantucket Pursue a Radical Lyme Disease Solution
In “Sculpting Evolution,” CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook travels to Nantucket, Massachusetts, where researchers are attempting an ambitious scientific experiment that could change how infectious diseases are prevented in the future.
Lyme disease has become one of the fastest-growing tick-borne illnesses in the United States, spreading into new regions and affecting thousands of people each year. Traditional efforts to control the disease have often focused on reducing deer populations or targeting ticks directly. However, the scientists featured in this report are taking an entirely different approach.
Researchers hope to release genetically engineered wild mice that are immune to Lyme disease. Because mice are among the primary carriers that infect ticks with the Lyme-causing bacteria, scientists believe altering the mice could interrupt the transmission cycle itself.
The segment explores both the scientific promise and ethical questions surrounding this groundbreaking strategy. Supporters see the project as a potentially transformative public health solution that could reduce Lyme disease cases without widespread pesticide use. At the same time, the idea of genetically modifying wild animal populations raises concerns about long-term ecological effects and unintended consequences.
LaPook speaks directly with the scientists behind the project while examining how advances in genetic engineering are opening new possibilities in disease prevention. Produced by Katie Brennan and Denise Schrier Cetta, the report highlights the growing intersection of medicine, ecology and biotechnology.
Bill Whitaker Profiles Piano Teacher Payam Khastkhodaei
The night concludes with the debut of “The Payam Method,” a new segment spotlighting an innovative music educator whose unconventional teaching style is attracting national attention.
Correspondent Bill Whitaker introduces viewers to Payam Khastkhodaei, the 32-year-old son of Iranian immigrants who has developed a fresh approach to piano instruction that moves away from rigid traditional methods. Rather than relying heavily on scales and formal sheet music, Khastkhodaei emphasizes creativity, engagement and emotional connection to music.
The results have been remarkable. His students are not only enjoying lessons more than many traditional piano students, but they are also excelling in major national competitions. The segment examines how his methods are reshaping expectations about music education and inspiring young musicians to develop confidence and passion for performing.
Whitaker’s report also reveals that Khastkhodaei’s work has impressed several high-profile admirers, including a legendary technology innovator and an Oscar-winning composer. Their support has helped shine a spotlight on his growing influence in the world of music instruction.
Produced by Rome Hartman, the story offers a more uplifting and personal conclusion to the broadcast, focusing on mentorship, innovation and the power of rethinking old systems.
A Wide-Ranging Postseason Edition of 60 Minutes
This postseason edition of 60 Minutes showcases the program’s signature blend of investigative journalism, scientific reporting and human-interest storytelling. From concerns about economic instability to cutting-edge medical research and innovative education techniques, the May 24 broadcast covers a wide range of topics shaping conversations across the country.
The updated reports and new feature demonstrate why 60 Minutes continues to remain one of television’s most influential and enduring news programs. Viewers can expect thoughtful interviews, in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling throughout the hour.
“60 Minutes” airs Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and will also stream on Paramount+.
