60 Minutes Minneapolis, The Far Side Of The Moon, Boom Chicago Airs February 1 2026 on CBS

This Sunday, February 1, 2026, 60 Minutes delivers a powerful look into NASA’s upcoming return to lunar exploration. Titled “The Far Side Of The Moon”, the segment follows the bold plans of the Artemis II mission, which is poised to send four astronauts around the moon’s far side. Airing on CBS, this story is reported by Bill Whitaker, who takes viewers behind the scenes of the most ambitious crewed space mission in over half a century.

MINNEAPOLIS – As the killing of Minnesota resident Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents has sparked fresh outrage in the state and across the country, some lawmakers have pushed back on the Trump administration’s explanation for DHS’s aggressive tactics and called for an independent investigation. Correspondent Scott Pelley interviews Sen. Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee, who summoned top DHS immigration officials to testify later this month. Pelley also speaks with former Justice Department and DHS investigators about the state of the federal probe. Maria Gavrilovic, Aaron Weisz and Nicole Young are the producers.

THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON – Leading up to Artemis II – NASA’s first human mission to the Moon in more than 50 years – correspondent Bill Whitaker reports from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on this critical step forward in American space exploration. Whitaker interviews the four astronauts who will embark on the 10-day mission, which could pave the way for a sustained presence on the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. Marc Lieberman is the producer.

BOOM CHICAGO – If you think America’s top laugh factories are only in New York, Chicago, and LA, think again. Reporting from Amsterdam, correspondent Jon Wertheim takes us inside Boom Chicago, an English-language improv theater founded in the early ’90s by two American comics. What sounded like a punchline became a pipeline, launching future stars like Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin, Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis. At a moment when American comedy feels under siege, this beloved Dutch theater keeps proving that funny survives—and travels. Michael Gavshon is the producer.

In typical 60 Minutes fashion, the report doesn’t just focus on the rocket and the mission specs. Whitaker interviews the astronauts directly, capturing their mix of awe, pressure, and determination. One moment that stands out features a candid remark from an astronaut when asked what’s going through his mind: “Don’t screw it up.” It’s a subtle reminder of the stakes involved and the human vulnerability behind the polished hardware and national pride.

Don’t miss this compelling report as 60 Minutes explores the Artemis II mission and NASA’s renewed lunar ambitions. With the launch window approaching, this episode offers a timely, thoughtful look at how far humanity has come—and how far we’re about to go.

Release Date & Time: 7:00 PM Sunday 1 February 2026 on CBS

60 Minutes Cast –