60 Minutes Reports on “The Indomitable Margaret Atwood”, “Knife” & “Officially Amazing” on February 8 2026

A compelling lineup is in store this Sunday, February 8, on 60 Minutes, airing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. This week’s edition brings three deeply resonant stories—from a groundbreaking Canadian author reflecting on legacy and censorship, to a renowned writer’s harrowing survival story, to a surprising dive into the world of world records.

• The Indomitable Margaret Atwood: 60 Minutes Explores the Life and Legacy of a Literary Icon
• Knife: 60 Minutes Explores Salman Rushdie’s Fight for Survival and Free Speech
• Officially Amazing: 60 Minutes Dives Into Guinness World Records’ Wacky Process

The Indomitable Margaret Atwood

The first segment features a profile of Margaret Atwood, one of the most influential literary figures of the modern era. At 85, Atwood continues to challenge boundaries and provoke thought. Correspondent Jon Wertheim sits down with the legendary author to discuss her newly released Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts, a reflection on her life, writing, and the world she’s chronicled with eerie accuracy. Known best for The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood addresses its place in culture today and how her work continues to be targeted by book bans. Despite this, she remains as outspoken and sharp as ever. Produced by Nathalie Sommer, this segment offers a timely reminder of Atwood’s ongoing cultural relevance and courage.

Knife: Salman Rushdie Speaks Out

Next, Anderson Cooper brings a powerful and personal interview with author Salman Rushdie in his first television appearance since the brutal 2022 attack at a literary festival in New York. Rushdie, who was stabbed multiple times and lost sight in one eye, shares his thoughts on survival, resilience, and reclaiming his story. He discusses his latest book, KNIFE, which recounts the traumatic event and the long road to healing. The interview revisits the longstanding fatwa against him and explores how Rushdie lived for decades under its shadow before resuming a life in public—only to face this near-fatal violence. The segment is produced by Michael Gavshon and Nadim Roberts.

Officially Amazing: Behind the Guinness World Records

The final story offers a lighter yet no less fascinating look at the world of record-breaking achievements. Cecilia Vega takes viewers inside the phenomenon of Guinness World Records, a book that has sold over 150 million copies and captivated audiences across generations. The segment goes beyond the outrageous and eccentric feats to reveal the rigorous process behind verifying every record. From human feats of endurance to quirky challenges, this report shows how extraordinary accomplishments are officially documented. Produced by Ayesha Siddiqi, this story balances awe with insight.

60 Minutes continues to deliver smart, deeply reported journalism that captures the spirit of the moment—from literary legacy and personal survival to the limits of human ambition. This Sunday’s broadcast is one not to miss.