60 Minutes backdrop
News

The Best Episodes of 60 Minutes Season 41

Every episode of 60 Minutes Season 41 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of 60 Minutes Season 41!

America's popular television News magazine in which an ever changing team of CBS News correspondents contribute segments ranging from hard news coverage to politics to lifestyle and pop culture.

Airs on
CBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons59

All1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 1 - The Bailout/General O/The Collider
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - The Bailout/General O/The Collider

    S41:E1

    "The Bailout" interviews Henry Paulson about government action on the economy. "General O" interviews General Ray Odierno the replacement for General David Petraeus. "The Collider" looks at the Large Hadron Collider and what scientists seek to learn from it. "Andy Rooney" discusses the Vice Presidency.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 2 - Wall Street's Shadow Market, Kill bin Laden, 0 to 60 on a battery?
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Wall Street's Shadow Market, Kill bin Laden, 0 to 60 on a battery?

    S41:E2

    In tonight's first story, Steve Kroft with the details you might not have heard about the unraveling of the economy. What are 'credit default swaps' and how did they play a role in the downward spiral? The complex degradation of our economy is explained. Scott Pelley re-visits the first weeks after 9/11 when the appropriate focus was on the instigator of the massive, tragic terrorist attacks, bin Laden. A former Delta Force Officer recounts the secret missions in the Tora Bora Mountains near Pakistan and never before seen video will shed new light on what really was (and is) going on. Finally, Lesley Stahl with a story from Silicon Valley in California. While cars running on batteries isn't really news, one that can go from 0 to 60 in four seconds is the stuff fantasy is made of. The newest cars are being developed to run on Lithium-ion batteries, just like the one in your laptop. We're not that far away. All this and Andy Rooney's financial advice tonight on 60 Minutes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 3 - Made by the Mob, High Tech War, The Oldest Family Business
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - Made by the Mob, High Tech War, The Oldest Family Business

    S41:E3

    CBS News correspondent Armen Keteyian interviews Joaquin (Jack) Garcia, a fascinating undercover agent who infiltrated the Gambino crime family and was instrumental in bringing down the mob. A Cuban-American, Garcia was adept enough at pretending to be Italian that he was integrated into the deepest levels of the most dangerous mobster family. Lesley Stahl explores the most advanced weaponry being developed and used in the war in Iraq. You won't believe how high tech it gets. Finally, Morley Safer with the Antinoris, the family with what is believed to be the oldest family business in the world, Italian wine-making.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 4 - al Qaeda Stronger, Government owned banks, Bullfighting today
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - al Qaeda Stronger, Government owned banks, Bullfighting today

    S41:E4

    Foreign born al Qaeda in Afghanistan gaining strength and sophistication. Lara Logan with Major General Jeffrey Schlosser and how this is happening. In a second, very timely story, Lesley Stahl with what we might be seeing now that the government bail out has put government in the private sector. Bob Simon with two brothers, Cayetano and Francisco Ordonez, probably the most recognized matadors in Spain. While taping this segment, a critical injury occurs when a 1,300 lb bull gets the best of a top matador.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 5 - Credit Default Swaps, T. Boone Pickens, Goronqosa
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - Credit Default Swaps, T. Boone Pickens, Goronqosa

    S41:E5

    It sounds complicated and it actually is, but tonight, Steve Kroft makes it a lot easier to understand: Credit Default Swaps and their role in the unraveling of the economy. Charlie Rose interviews T. Boone Pickens, the multi-billionaire oil man who claims to have a plan to make the U.S. far less dependent on foreign supplies. Could it really work? Finally, Scott Pelley with Greg Carr, a U.S. citizen trying to make Gorongosa, a Mozambique, African location into one of the world's newest tourist destinations.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 6 - Welcome Home, you're fired, Fake Cop, Bionic People
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - Welcome Home, you're fired, Fake Cop, Bionic People

    S41:E6

    Tonight, an atrocity exposed when Lesley Stahl investigates thousands of reservists and guardsmen returning home from duty to find their jobs gone. Some blatantly fired for "being gone too long" and others victims of downsizing while they were Iraq or Afghanistan. A small Missouri town's newest Sheriff, Sgt Bill Jakob, was cleaning up the streets like no one else. Arresting drug dealers and other criminals, the mayor thought he was the best thing that happened to his town. Unfortunately, he wasn't really a cop at all. Finally, Scott Pelley reports on how the future is now. Technology connected directly to the human brain, enabling communication with people otherwise trapped in a paralyzed body. What's next is even more remarkable.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of 60 Minutes

    READ
  7. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 7 - The Inner Circle, The Wasteland, Ted Turner
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - The Inner Circle, The Wasteland, Ted Turner

    S41:E7

    Behind the scenes and a part of the "inner circle" with Steve Kroft on election night with Obama. You really haven't seen this anywhere else and it's both warm and fascinating. Then we go to China, a land of secrets and lies. Scott Pelley follows the trashed technology we think is being recycled and safely disposed of as it ends up in China where it's anything but safe. Finally, Morley Safer going toe to toe with mogul Ted Turner in one of the most candid interviews he's given.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 8 - Obama's First Interview, Musical Savant
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - Obama's First Interview, Musical Savant

    S41:E8

    Steve Kroft with President elect Obama's first post election interview. This is expected to be one of the most watched shows of the season as Barack Obama talks about his plans for the next four years. He also discusses his cabinet choices. Wife Michelle is also interviewed. In the second story, Lesley Stahl re visits one of the most amazing musical savants known. Rex Lewis-Clack's life was changed when his parents found that their son, born blind and mentally impaired, was extraordinarily gifted. Now, at 13, see how far music and his gift has taken him.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 9 - Easy Nukes, For Better or Worse
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Easy Nukes, For Better or Worse

    S41:E9

    Imagine the size of a 6-pack of soda able to cause a nuclear explosion. That's about all the HEU (highly enriched uranium) it would take and it's not so difficult to get. Scott Pelley explores how easy it is to get a hold of the materials necessary to make a nuclear bomb. Matthew Bunn, security expert at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, concurs that access to HEU is not as difficult as it should be.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 10 - The Cheaters, The Silver Star, Michael Phelps
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - The Cheaters, The Silver Star, Michael Phelps

    S41:E10

    Online gambling is illegal in the U.S., but it's a nearly impossible law to enforce. In this story, a group of men turn a dishonest cyber-poker game around and cheat to the tune of $20 million. In the second story tonight, Lara Logan reports on the second woman to ever win the Silver Star (the first being in World War II). Monica Brown wasn't even supposed to be there when she ended up saving two wounded men in battle. Also tonight, Michael Phelps talks with CNN's Anderson Cooper. This 23 year old Olympic record breaker, now a marketing millionaire and still remarkably personable.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 11 - The Oil Kingdom, Schnabel
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - The Oil Kingdom, Schnabel

    S41:E11

    Lesley Stahl visits Saudi Arabia and tours the oil producing facilities while interviewing Saudi officials. Though prices have plummeted in recent months, they're not worried. What's in store for us, and them. In our second story, Morley Safer with Julian Schnabel, a powerhouse in art and film who made his initial mark in the 1980's and has never looked back.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 12 - Barney Frank, Where's the Bottom? And Win Forever
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Barney Frank, Where's the Bottom? And Win Forever

    S41:E12

    Lesley Stahl speaks with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (D.-Mass.) Scott Pelley investigates the deepening mortgage crisis; Byron Pitts profiles USC football coach Pete Carroll; And Andy Rooney checks his mail.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 13 - Governor Schwarzenegger, Airport Security, Elephant Orphans
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Governor Schwarzenegger, Airport Security, Elephant Orphans

    S41:E13

    Scott Pelley with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the sad state of the State of California. The man who once topped box office charts, now a political leading man despite facing some huge challenges with California's economical spiral. Also tonight, Lesley Stahl and the latest on airport security measures. Where weaknesses remain, where new tools are being tried and how Kip Hawley (outgoing head of TSA) feels poor reports are unjust. Finally, Bob Simon follows up on the orphaned elephants of Kenya. Why their numbers are still significant.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 14 - The Road to the White House
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - The Road to the White House

    S41:E14

    Steve Kroft and a special edition 60 Minutes that explores President Elect Obama's long trek to winning the presidential election.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 15 - Mind Reading, Is It Murder?, The Mad Scientist of Football
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Mind Reading, Is It Murder?, The Mad Scientist of Football

    S41:E15

    Mind reading with a scientific spin. What studies have found by looking into our brains. Lesley Stahl reports. Bob Simon reports on drunk driving and new campaigns that include longer prison sentences and even charges of murder. Finally, Scott Pelley with Texas Tech coach, Mike Leach.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 16 - Wall Street Speculation, Obama's Advisor, Wyclef Jean
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - Wall Street Speculation, Obama's Advisor, Wyclef Jean

    S41:E16

    Steve Kroft explores how our current economic mess had more contributors than we may have thought. Not the least of which being Wall Street speculation in the oil futures market. News correspondent, David Martin with the Joint Chief of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen. This is Obama's advisor as our government changes parties during wartime, another historical first. Finally, Scott Pelley with Wyclef Jean, a Haitian immigrant turned rock star.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 17 - The Winter of Our Hardship, No Peace Deal, Wine Rx
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - The Winter of Our Hardship, No Peace Deal, Wine Rx

    S41:E17

    Scott Pelley in Wilmington, Ohio where DHL, the town's largest employer has closed operations. The massive hardships are seen on a tremendously personal level, including how one supervisor who would walk dismissed employees off the property and take their ID badges, had it done to her as well. With "No Peace Deal", Bob Simon from Israel and the West Bank. Finally, Morley Safer reports on resveratrol, a substance in red wine that so far has repeatedly shown promise at lengthening lifespans.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 18 - Brace For Impact, Coldplay
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - Brace For Impact, Coldplay

    S41:E18

    Long awaited Katy Couric interview with Capt. Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger, the heroic pilot who successfully landed a 75 ton jet in the Hudson River without a single loss of life. This is Sully's first in depth interview and not surprisingly, very candid and thoughtful. Steve Kroft with Coldplay, the British group that rarely gives interviews and has been nominated for seven Grammys (airing tonight).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 19 - Buy American; Whistle Blower; Taliban Power
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Buy American; Whistle Blower; Taliban Power

    S41:E19

    Lesley Stahl examines the new "Buy American" clause pushed for public works funded by the stimulus money. Dan DiMicco, CEO of the nation's largest steelmaker thinks it's a great idea. The head of Caterpillar, on the other hand, believes retaliation by other countries could spur them to push their own "Buy Europe" or "Buy China" clauses and end up hurting the American economy even more.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 20 - Lower Drinking Age; Muslim Militants; Nazi Mascot
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - Lower Drinking Age; Muslim Militants; Nazi Mascot

    S41:E20

    Lesley Stahl reports on the newest argument to reduce the legal drinking age to 18. More than 100 college presidents believe this will reduce binge drinking. Numerous organizations believe this would mean 900 families a year burying a teen. In our next segment, Lara Logan talks with Richard Butler, the CBS Newsman kidnapped along with others by Muslim militants. For three months he lived believing he would never make it out alive. Also, Bob Simon with a truly unusual story about a young boy living with Nazi's after his family was massacred by them.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 21 - SEC Ignoring Fraud; Mexico's War; The Republican Obama
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - SEC Ignoring Fraud; Mexico's War; The Republican Obama

    S41:E21

    The Bernard Madoff rip-off involved thousands of victims and billions of dollars. Why does Harry Markopolos claim that the SEC (Security Exchange Commission) wouldn't know fraud if it was handed to them? Steve Kroft reports on how the contention is that the SEC personnel reportedly watching out for this aren't experienced enough to see it. In our second story, CNN's Anderson Cooper reports about the ongoing and growing war involving Mexican gangs and drugs. With most of their weapons coming from the U.S. and more than 6,000 deaths in the last couple of years, it may be time to notice and do something about it. Finally, Morley Safer with Republican Governor of Louisianna, Bobby Jindal. The son of Indian immigrants, at just 37 years old, is he a future contender for the presidency?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 22 - Follow the Failure; DNA exoneration
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - Follow the Failure; DNA exoneration

    S41:E22

    Follow the FDIC as they actually take over a bank, secretly on a Friday night. What exactly happens when a bank fails? Scott Pelley reports. Lesley Stahl with a very interesting report on DNA evidence and how it weighs against, or with eyewitness accounts of crimes. Included in this segment, Jennifer Thompson, a rape victim who testified against Ronald Cotton, the man she was absolutely sure was her attacker. Years later, DNA exonerated Cotton and Jennifer admits she was wrong. This unlikely pair have teamed up to change the way system works, or doesn't work.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 23 - What Went Wrong; Nourishment of a Nation
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - What Went Wrong; Nourishment of a Nation

    S41:E23

    Scott Pelley with Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke about what went wrong and brought us to this incredible economic crisis. There is so much to discuss that this segment is double-length. Next, Lesley Stahl with Alice Waters, a world class chef, author of 8 cookbooks and a personal problem with microwaves. Well, at least to the point of wanting to show people how easy, environmentally friendly and healthy fresh, organic can be.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 24 - Barrack & Michelle Obama
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - Barrack & Michelle Obama

    S41:E24

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. 60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 25 - Do You Have Worms?; Kenya Cats; LeBron James
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - Do You Have Worms?; Kenya Cats; LeBron James

    S41:E25

    Cyber gangs use computer viruses to gain information to electronically rob bank accounts; the African lion is in danger of extinction; basketball star LeBron James earns tens of millions of dollars annually.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 41 Ratings Summary

"The Bailout/General O/The Collider" is the best rated episode of "60 Minutes" season 41. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/28/2008. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Wall Street's Shadow Market, Kill bin Laden, 0 to 60 on a battery?".