NEWSStephen Colbert’s Daughter Leaves '60 Minutes' as CBS News Faces More Upheaval
Madeleine Carlisle reportedly resigned from ‘60 Minutes.’
Aug. 8 2026, Published 7:34 a.m. ET
Stephen Colbert’s daughter has reportedly left 60 Minutes at a tense moment for CBS.
Madeleine Carlisle, 30, resigned from her role as an associate producer on the flagship CBS News program, according to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter. Carlisle, who uses her mother’s surname professionally, had been in the job since November 2022 after earlier interning at 60 Minutes in 2017 and working as a reporter for The Atlantic and Time.
Madeleine Carlisle's exit drew attention following Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ cancelation.
Her exit comes just months after CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with the final episode airing in May. CBS cited financial reasons for ending the late-night show, though critics questioned the timing amid scrutiny of Paramount’s merger with Skydance and its relationship with President Donald Trump.
Another Departure at '60 Minutes'
Her departure added to ongoing leadership changes at CBS News.
Status described Carlisle as “well-regarded” and reported that she gave notice in recent days. The outlet also reported that other producers are “actively exploring options” to leave the legendary news program.
That makes Carlisle’s resignation part of a broader period of instability at 60 Minutes, which is preparing to return September 13 for its 59th season.
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss has overseen major changes since taking the role, including the exits of executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, senior producer Matthew Polevoy and correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi. Veteran correspondent Scott Pelley was also dismissed after criticizing Weiss and the firings during a heated staff meeting.
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A New Team Under Pressure
Nick Bilton faced scrutiny after becoming executive producer of ‘60 Minutes.’
Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a former New York Times tech columnist and filmmaker, as the new executive producer of 60 Minutes. His appointment has drawn scrutiny because he has no prior television news experience.
New hires for the program include opinion writer Ross Douthat and British broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips, moves that have prompted additional criticism from observers of the show’s direction.
Status previously reported that people connected to the program believe Bilton is “deeply underwater,” though he has expressed confidence that he can get the show ready for fall.
The 'Late Show' Shadow
Stephen Colbert’s daughter largely kept her professional career separate from her father’s fame.
Colbert and his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, have three children: Madeleine, Peter and John. Carlisle has generally kept her professional identity separate from her father’s fame, but her resignation is likely to draw attention because of CBS’ recent decision to end his late-night show.
Bilton sent staff a 734-word memo August 4 criticizing leaks, according to Status. The memo itself leaked.
