60 Minutes Reports on “Maduro”, “Here Come the Humanoids”, “Boom Chicago” (Postponed), & “Alysa Liu” January 4 2026

CBS’s long-running newsmagazine 60 Minutes returns Sunday night with three captivating stories that span technology, entertainment, and sports. Airing at 7:30 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT after NFL football, this week’s broadcast promises a mix of cutting-edge science, international culture, and a heartfelt sports comeback. From humanoid robots making their way into factory work to a comedy hub halfway around the world, and a figure skater’s remarkable return, it’s a lineup that reflects the breadth and depth viewers expect from 60 Minutes.

Each segment takes audiences into a different world—one powered by AI and robotics, one driven by laughter and resilience, and one fueled by personal strength and transformation. This week’s episode continues the program’s tradition of exploring stories that inform, entertain, and challenge the way people view the world around them.

• Maduro: 60 Minutes Investigates the Stunning Fall of Venezuela’s Strongman
• Here Come the Humanoids: 60 Minutes Explores the Rise of AI Robots in the Real World
• Boom Chicago: 60 Minutes Explores the Dutch Comedy Theater Behind America’s Funniest Stars
• Alysa Liu: 60 Minutes Explores the Skating Prodigy’s Stunning Return at Age 20

Maduro: U.S. Military Strike and Arrest of Venezuelan President

In a rapidly unfolding international development, 60 Minutes leads with a new report titled “Maduro,” replacing the previously announced segment “Boom Chicago.” This updated report dives into the U.S. military’s stunning overnight operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Correspondent Scott Pelley anchors the segment with insight into the criminal charges both now face, years after Maduro’s 2020 indictment.

Pelley interviews Sandy Gonzalez, a former DEA special agent who helped lead the investigation into Maduro’s alleged narcotrafficking and corruption ties. Also weighing in are Roger Carstens, a former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. The segment offers an unflinching look at what may be a turning point in U.S.–Venezuelan relations and Latin American geopolitics.

Here Come the Humanoids

The episode opens with a striking look at the latest advances in robotics. Correspondent Bill Whitaker heads to Savannah, Georgia, where Hyundai has unveiled a new automotive plant—and inside, something remarkable is unfolding. Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot, Atlas, is now operating in a real-world industrial environment, marking a significant leap in AI and robotics development.

Unlike traditional factory machines, Atlas is learning to perform tasks through experience, adapting its behavior and movements with the help of advanced AI. These aren’t pre-programmed motions—they’re skills the robot acquires much like a human worker. Whitaker explores what this means for the future of labor, automation, and how humans and machines might work side by side. It’s a glimpse into a future that is closer than most people realize, where humanoid robots are no longer science fiction but coworkers.

Boom Chicago: Comedy’s Transatlantic Launchpad

Update: This segment has been postponed for a future episode.

Next, 60 Minutes shifts from robotics to the world of improvisational comedy, landing in an unexpected place: Amsterdam. Jon Wertheim takes viewers inside Boom Chicago, a vibrant English-language improv theater founded by two American comedians in the early 1990s. What began as a quirky expat experiment has grown into a revered comedy institution.

Boom Chicago has launched the careers of some of today’s most recognizable names in comedy. Alumni include Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin, Brendan Hunt, and Jason Sudeikis—all of whom honed their craft on its stage. Wertheim explores how this international theater continues to thrive while American comedy grapples with cultural shifts. In an era where humor can feel stifled or controversial, Boom Chicago remains a place where comedians take risks, speak freely, and above all, make people laugh.

The segment also takes a deeper look at the theater’s ability to nurture talent and foster community across borders. With its unique setting and fearless spirit, Boom Chicago proves that comedy is a universal language—and one that keeps evolving, no matter the setting.

Alysa Liu: Skating on Her Own Terms

The final segment of the night is a powerful profile of figure skating sensation Alysa Liu. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest U.S. women’s national champion in history, dazzling fans with her technical skill and poise. But in a surprising move, she retired from competitive skating at 16, leaving many wondering why a star at the height of her career would walk away.

Now, at 20, Liu is back—stronger, wiser, and ready to compete again. With the Olympics on the horizon, she’s once again in the spotlight, but this time with a renewed sense of purpose and self-awareness. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi sits down with Liu for a candid conversation about the pressures of early fame, the reasons behind her hiatus, and how she’s navigating her return.

Liu’s story is about more than sports—it’s about identity, growth, and reclaiming one’s passion on their own terms. Her journey offers inspiration to young athletes and fans alike, highlighting the courage it takes to step away—and the strength required to come back.

Don’t Miss Sunday Night’s Episode

This Sunday’s 60 Minutes is a dynamic mix of stories that speak to innovation, creativity, and human resilience. Whether you’re intrigued by the rise of intelligent machines, fascinated by the journey of comedy legends, or moved by the personal evolution of a young athlete, the episode offers something memorable for everyone.

Catch the broadcast on the CBS Television Network at 7:30 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT, right after NFL football. For those streaming, it’s also available on Paramount+. Settle in for another thought-provoking hour from 60 Minutes—a show that continues to explore the most compelling corners of our world.