60 Minutes - Season 44

First aired: 9/25/2011 53 episodes

Episodes

1. NYPD's Counterterrorism Unit; Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Aired: 9/25/2011

New York Police Department's counterterrorism unit; the murder of a neo-nazi leader; "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

2. Otsuchi, Japan; Alex Honnold; Andy Rooney

Aired: 10/2/2011

Bob Simon reports on the relationship between Otsuchi, Japan, and its "sister city" Fort Bragg, Cal.; Lara Logan profiles rock climber Alex Honnold; Morley Safer interviews Andy Rooney, who discusses his last regular appearance on the show.

3. Jeffery Immelt; the Egyptian military

Aired: 10/9/2011

General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt discusses creating jobs in the U.S. Also: a report on the treatment of Egyptian citizens by the country's military; a profile of NFL sports agent Drew Rosenhaus.

4. Gen. John Allen; Vincent van Gogh

Aired: 10/16/2011

Scott Pelley interviews Marine Corps Gen. John Allen about the war in Afghanistan; Morley Safer interviews authors Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, who discuss their biography of Vincent van Gogh ("Van Gogh: The Life").

5. Steve Jobs; Apps for Autistic people

Aired: 10/23/2011

Author Walter Isaacson discusses his biography of Steve Jobs and reveals that Jobs refused early and potentially lifesaving surgery after learning he had cancer. Also: a report on apps for autistic people that help them communicate.

6. Madoffs/All American

Aired: 10/30/2011

Madoffs - In their first interview about the crimes of Bernard Madoff, the son and the wife of the man who scammed billions of dollars provide the first inside account from the immediate family. Ruth Madoff and son Andrew tell Morley Safer how Madoff confessed his crimes to them, their reaction and the subsequent family strife of the past three years. All American - Beating the odds in a fight against a deadly cancer for most people would mean staying alive. For Mark Herzlich, who was diagnosed with bone cancer while he was a football star at Boston College, living meant playing football in the NFL.

7. A Lobbyist's Playbook, Operation Proper Exit, Andy Rooney

Aired: 11/6/2011

A Lobbyist's Playbook - Jack Abramoff, the ex-lobbyist and now ex-convict at the center of the biggest Washington corruption scandal in decades gives his first television interview to Lesley Stahl. He reveals how he was able to influence politicians and why, despite reform, such influence buying continues. Operation Proper Exit - This unique program takes wounded warriors back to the battlefield in an effort to provide closure that often leads to better lives for these veterans and their families. Andy Rooney - Morley Safer remembers the longtime 60 Minutes commentator, who died on November 4, 2011, at the age of 92.

8. Insiders/Taser/Freeman Hrabowski

Aired: 11/13/2011

Insiders - Steve Kroft reports on how America's lawmakers can legally buy stock based on non-public information. Taser - The non-lethal device has saved many lives and prevented serious injury to suspects and police say its law enforcement advocates, but a new study says some authorities use it too quickly, causing unnecessary pain and sometimes death. Freeman Hrabowski - University President Freeman Hrabowski has turned the University of Maryland Baltimore County into a well-known producer of outstanding scientists and engineers, many of whom are minorities.

9. Christine Lagarde, The Pledge, Taylor Swift

Aired: 11/20/2011

Christine Lagarde - Thrust into the breach during one of the worst economic crises in decades, Christine Lagarde, the new head of the International Monetary Fund, has become one of the world's most powerful women. The Pledge - Steve Kroft takes a look at Grover Norquist, the man many blame for holding up the deficit-reduction process because of the anti-tax pledges he has obtained from nearly all the Republican politicians in Washington. Taylor Swift - She writes and sings all her own songs, sells millions of records and she's just 21 years old. Lesley Stahl profiles music sensation Taylor Swift.

10. Hard Times Generation, The Flavorists, Angelina

Aired: 11/27/2011

Hard Times Generation - Scott Pelley brings "60 Minutes" cameras back to Central Florida to document another level of homelessness - kids and their parents living in cars. The Flavorists - Meet the scientists behind the real and artificial flavors that make foods and beverages so tasty. Morley Safer reports on this fascinating industry that food manufacturers depend on, but which critics say make some people dependent on less-than-healthy food choices. Angelina - Bob Simon profiles international film star Angelina Jolie, who has gone behind the camera to direct a film for the first time.

11. Prosecuting Wall Street/Michael Buble

Aired: 12/4/2011

Prosecuting Wall Street - Two whistleblowers tell Steve Kroft that their warnings about fraudulent and substandard mortgages were ignored by their companies, offering a rare window into the root causes of the subprime mortgage meltdown still holding back the struggling U.S economy. Michael Buble - He fills concert halls and has sold 35 million albums by covering classic American songs made famous by crooners like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Lara Logan profiles this still-rising singer whose current album, "Christmas," is number one.

12. President Obama, Howard Buffett

Aired: 12/11/2011

President Obama - Steve Kroft questions the president on a wide range of critical topics, including his performance in office, the U.S. economy and unemployment, and the budget woes in Washington. Howard Buffett - Legendary investor Warren Buffett has chosen his son Howard to succeed him as head of his multibillion dollar holding company. But as Lesley Stahl reports, "Howie" - a farmer - is no chip off the old block.

13. The Majority Leader, The Gardens of the Queen, Meryl Streep

Aired: 12/18/2011

The Majority Leader - Lesley Stahl questions House Majority Leader Eric Cantor about the partisan politics that are holding up legislation and giving the U.S. Congress such a low approval rating among Americans. The Gardens of the Queen - "60 Minutes" cameras take viewers on an underwater adventure off the Cuban coast to one of the world's most pristine and vibrant coral reefs. But as Anderson Cooper reports, reefs like these are already dying and could disappear someday if mankind isn't more careful. Meryl Streep - The two-time Oscar-winner and Grande Dame of American film and stage sat down with Morley Safer for a rare interview to discuss acting, her career and her latest leading role as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

14. The Library, Mount Athos

Aired: 12/25/2011

This special Christmas edition of 60 Minutes features two segments from previous programs. From April 10, 2011, Morley Safer tours the Vatican Library, which holds some of the oldest and most precious works of art and treasure known to man. From April 24, 2011, Bob Simon presents a two-part feature in which he steps back in time getting rare access to monks in ancient monasteries on a remote Greek peninsula, whose lives and routines have remained constant for a thousand years. Bob sees many aspects of the monastic life including chanting, prayers, rituals and priceless relics and icons from the Byzantine Empire.

15. The Majority Leader, The Perfect Score, The ascent of Alex Honnold

Aired: 1/1/2012

Lesley Stahl profiles House Majority Leader Eric Cantor; Then, Sam Eshaghoff tells how he was able to take the SAT and ACT college admissions exams for others; Also, Mountain climber Alex Honnold seems to defy gravity by scaling sheer, steep rock faces with no rope and apparently no fear.

16. Stem cell treatments, Brothers in the Marines, Truffles

Aired: 1/8/2012

The Internet is full of websites selling unproven stem cell treatments for incurable illnesses, Marines call each other "brother," but in the Lone Star Battalion, there are five actual sets of brothers, The most expensive food in the world.

17. Groupon, Qatar, Jake

Aired: 1/15/2012

Groupon - In his first major interview since taking the multibillion dollar Internet company public late last year, the founder and CEO of online daily deals site Groupon talks about the company Forbes called the fastest growing in the world. Qatar -The tiny and prosperous Middle Eastern country with no income taxes and free health care is an island of calm in a sea of unrest as neighbors like Syria, Egypt and Bahrain experience social upheaval. Jake -At 13 years old, Jake Barnett is already attending college and tutoring his much older "peers." In fact, the math and science prodigy was acing college courses when he was just eight and hopes to use his gift to change the world someday.

18. Wildebeest Migration, Elephant Dictionary, Jane Goodall

Aired: 1/22/2012

Scott Pelley visits Kenya to observe the great wildebeest migration; Bob Simon reports on the compilation of an elephant dictionary in Central Africa; Lara Logan interviews anthropologist Jane Goodall.

19. Leon Panetta, Roger Goodell, Big Game Species in US

Aired: 1/29/2012

Scott Pelley interviews Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Steve Kroft profiles NFL commissioner Roger Goodell; Lara Logan reports on breeding and hunting big-game species in the U.S.

20. Dolly Parton, Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep

Aired: 2/5/2012

Morley Safer profiles three famous ladies. From June 7, 2009 - Dolly Parton - An interview with Dolly Parton concerning her life, musical career, and the production of the Broadway version of her film "9 to 5." From May 17, 2009 - Anna Wintour - Morley Safer with Vogue editor, Anna Wintour in a very rare interview. You might know her as "The Devil Wears Prada." From December 18, 2011 - The Many Meryls - Morley Safer sits down with the two-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep for a rare interview. She talks about acting, her career, family and her major role: British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

21. Deception at Duke, India's Gold, The year of Adele

Aired: 2/12/2012

Deception at Duke - Scott Pelley reports on a Duke University oncologist whose supervisor says he manipulated the data in his study of a breakthrough cancer therapy. India's Gold -The demand for gold in India accounts for an amazing 32 percent of the worldwide market for the precious metal. And no wonder. The most important tradition at nearly all the 10 million annual weddings in India is the lavish gold jewelry. The year of Adele -Her second album has sold nearly 18 million copies worldwide, putting the British singing sensation on top of the charts and up for six Grammys. Anderson Cooper talks to Adele about her success and the vocal cord surgery that saved her voice.

22. Trapped in Unemployment, Treating Depression, The Mozart of Chess

Aired: 2/19/2012

Trapped in Unemployment - As the number of Americans without work for a year or two rises into the millions, Scott Pelley reports on a program designed to help the long term unemployed back into the workplace. Treating Depression -A Harvard psychologist says drugs used to treat depression do work, but for the most part, it's not the chemical that's making people feel better, it's the placebo effect. The Mozart of Chess -Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is the number one chess player in the world and he loves to see his opponents squirm.

23. Going to Extremes

Aired: 2/26/2012

From October 11, 2009: The Birdmen (Steve Kroft) - Steve Kroft reports on the latest extreme adventurer craze: men donning wing suits and jumping off mountain tops to glide at speeds of 140 miles per hour. From October 02, 2011: Alone on the Wall (Lara Logan) - Lara Logan profiles free-soloing rock climber Alex Honnold, the subject of the movie Alone on the Wall. From March 28, 2010: The Sharkman (Anderson Cooper) - Anderson Cooper with Mike Rutzen in Cape Town, South Africa. Rutzen, also known as "The Sharkman", swims with the most feared predators in the ocean and takes Anderson with him.

24. Stuxnet, The Archbishop of Dublin, Redshirting

Aired: 3/4/2012

Stuxnet - The sophisticated computer worm that sabotaged Iran's nuclear program is now out there, its idea and methods exposed to terrorists or rogue nations who could use them to create their own cyberweapon. The Archbishop of Dublin - The sex abuse crisis in the Irish Catholic Church has rocked one of the most Catholic countries in the world and turned the archbishop of Dublin into an outspoken critic of the church. Redshirting - Morley Safer reports on the rising incidence of "redshirting," holding back children from school who have late birthdays so they can be the oldest instead of the youngest in their class.

25. The Spymaster Speaks, Teacher to the World, Aerosmith

Aired: 3/11/2012

The Spymaster Speaks - While the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran becomes an election year issue, the former head of Israel's intelligence service, Meir Dagan, sits down with Lesley Stahl to discuss the Iranian nuclear question. Teacher to the World - On his educational website, "Khan Academy," he teaches millions of students across the world each month. Sal Khan's teaching method has become so effective that it may be the future of American education. Aerosmith - An inside look at how, despite their differences, one of America's premier rock bands defied age, substance abuse and changing musical tastes to stay together for 40 years. Lara Logan goes on tour with and interviews the members of Aerosmith.

26. SpaceX, Face Blindness

Aired: 3/18/2012

SpaceX - Elon Musk was the first private citizen to launch a space vehicle into orbit and bring it back to Earth. Now, the founder of SpaceX is competing against larger, more entrenched aeronautical companies to become the first private venture to put a man into orbit. Face Blindness -Lesley Stahl reports on a little known condition that prevents people from remembering faces, even those of family members. Some studies estimate that as many as one in 50 people are afflicted with face blindness. Remarkably, Stahl found others who are the opposite when it comes to face recognition. "Super recognizers" never forget a face, no matter how long ago they saw it.

27. Resurrecting Chrysler, Evidence of Innocence, Novak Djokovic

Aired: 3/25/2012

Resurrecting Chrysler - Just a few years ago, Chrysler was in chapter 11, its future bleak. Now, with a new leader in Sergio Marchionne and a new company forged by an alliance with Fiat, the automaker has made a remarkable turnaround to profitability. Evidence of Innocence - Michael Morton was finally freed when DNA evidence exonerated him after 25 years in prison; he speaks out in his first interview. As Lara Logan reports, Morton's case is one of a series of high profile wrongful convictions that have cast a harsh light on prosecutors. Novak Djokovic -He's the number-one tennis player in the world. He is a hero to his Serbian people and he has quite a sense of humor.

28. Hard Landing, Sugar, Art Market

Aired: 4/1/2012

Hard Landing - Seven thousand employees of the Kennedy Space Center lost their jobs when the final Space Shuttle was launched last July, a loss of income that's hit the local economy hard. Sugar - A prominent doctor who treats childhood obesity believes the high amount of sugar in the American diet, much of it in processed foods, is killing us. And as Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports, new studies seem to support his theory that sugar is toxic. Art Market - Morley Safer visits the Art Basel Miami Beach art fair where prices for contemporary art are spiking upward in a market that's been outperforming stocks since 2003.

29. An Imperfect Union, The Sport of Kings, Joy in the Congo

Aired: 4/8/2012

An Imperfect Union - Steve Kroft reports on the debt crisis in Europe, where weaker members of the European Union struggle to pay debt and try to avoid a financial crisis in the Eurozone that could spread to the U.S. The Sport of Kings - Polo is one of the oldest organized sports in the world and its leading star, Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras, plays it with a style befitting his other role as the face of Ralph Lauren's iconic fashion brand, Polo. Joy in the Congo -The Congo's Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra grew from one man's dream to 200 musicians and vocalists providing joy to the poor, bleak capital of Kinshasa. It's now the only symphony orchestra in Central Africa and the only all-black one in the world.

30. Mike Wallace

Aired: 4/15/2012

Mike Wallace: "60 Minutes" will devote its entire hour to its beloved colleague and founding correspondent, Mike Wallace, who died on April 7 at the age of 93.

31. The Case Against Lehman, Christians of the Holy Land, The Trouble with Treasure

Aired: 4/22/2012

The Case Against Lehman - Steve Kroft talks to the bank examiner whose investigation reveals the how and why of the spectacular financial collapse of Lehman Brothers, the bankruptcy that triggered the world financial crisis. Christians of the Holy Land - Bob Simon reports on the slow exodus from the Holy Land of Palestinian Christians, who say life in the middle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become too difficult. The Trouble with Treasure - Jay Miscovich says he found a cache of emeralds on the bottom of the ocean off of Florida, but it may be years before he can profit from the treasure.

32. Hard Measures, Hooked

Aired: 4/29/2012

Hard Measures - The former head of the CIA's Clandestine Service, Jose Rodriguez, talks to Lesley Stahl about the "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, used on high-level al Qaeda detainees. The ex-spy was the man behind those techniques that some would consider torture and he defends their use for the first time. Hooked - Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on drug abuse, uses MRI scans on the brains of addicts to show how difficult it is to just say no to drugs and other addictive behaviors, including eating.

33. The Raptor, Cleaning Up Whitley County, Michael Phelps

Aired: 5/6/2012

The Raptor - Two pilots who refuse to fly the nation's top fighter jet because of safety and health concerns risk their wings to become military whistleblowers and speak out about the F-22 Raptor. Cleaning Up Whitley County - A corrupt sheriff in a drug-infested Kentucky county who federal authorities initially failed to indict was finally foiled by a pair of twenty-something journalists from the local newspaper. Michael Phelps - The Olympic gold wunderkind is back to a strict training regimen after a lull that included some fun downtime and unimpressive races. He tells Anderson Cooper he's now ready for the London games, where his coach predicts another multiple gold medal effort.

34. Hank, The Gulen Movement, The Role of a Lifetime

Aired: 5/13/2012

Hank - Legendary retired covert CIA Officer Henry "Hank" Crumpton tells his spy stories to Lara Logan, including his role in the early war in Afghanistan as Deputy Director of the CIA's Counter-Terrorism Center. The Gulen Movement - A worldwide Islamic movement that has inspired scores of public charter schools here in the U.S. is led by a Turkish cleric living in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Lesley Stahl reports on Fethullah Gulen and his message of education. The Role of a Lifetime - "CSI: NY" star Gary Sinise's appearance in "Forrest Gump" helped lead to his humanitarian efforts for disabled veterans like the "Lt. Dan" character he made so memorable in the classic film.

35. Dropping Out, Hard Cases, Roger Waters

Aired: 5/20/2012

Dropping Out - A billionaire's program to pay students with promising ideas to drop out of college is attracting students and critics. Internet business pioneer Peter Thiel thinks his program is a viable alternative to what he sees as a costly and ineffective university system. Hard Cases - The last resort for patients with rare, undiagnosed medical conditions is Dr. William Gahl's Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the National Institutes of Health. Roger Waters - Pink Floyd's creative force is still performing the rock opera "The Wall" to sold-out stadiums around the world.

36. Final Resting Place, Tel Aviv, The Many Meryls

Aired: 5/27/2012

An interview with former marine Dakota Meyer upon receiving the Medal of Honor; profiles of five sets of brothers who fought to do battle together in Afghanistan; a report on Operation Proper Exit that helps wounded warriors find closure.

37. Elon Musk, Jeff Hall and the NSM, Angelina Jolie

Aired: 6/3/2012

Scott Pelley interviews SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who discusses private space travel; Lesley Stahl investigates the murder of a neo-Nazi and a growing subculture of hate in the U.S.; Bob Simon profiles Angelina Jolie.

38. Leon Panetta, Texas Safaris, Matt Stone and Trey Parker

Aired: 6/10/2012

Scott Pelley interviews Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Lara Logan reports on breeding and hunting big-game species in the U.S.; Steve Kroft profiles Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

39. Insiders, Freeman Hrabowski, Taylor Swift

Aired: 6/17/2012

Steve Kroft reports on how U.S. lawmakers legally buy stock based on nonpublic information; Byron Pitts profiles Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County; Lesley Stahl interviews Taylor Swift.

40. Greg Mortenson, Howard Buffett, Novak Djokovic

Aired: 6/24/2012

An investigation into the validity of humanitarian Greg Mortenson's best-selling stories. Also: Howard Buffett, who will succeed his father, Warren Buffett, as the head of a multibillion-dollar holding company; and tennis player Novak Djokovic.

41. Stuxnet, Qatar, The Most Expensive Food in the World

Aired: 7/1/2012

Steve Kroft examines the computer worm Stuxnet; Bob Simon visits Qatar; Lesley Stahl reports on the black-market trade of pricey white truffles.

42. A Lobbyist's Playbook, Redshirting, The Mozart of Chess

Aired: 7/8/2012

Lesley Stahl interviews former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff; Morley Safer reports on the rising incidence of "redshirting," in which children with late birthdays are held back from school; Bob Simon profiles chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.

43. Steve Jobs, Apps for Autism

Aired: 7/15/2012

Author Walter Isaacson discusses his biography of Steve Jobs. Also: a report on apps designed to help people with autism communicate.

44. Evidence of Innocence, India's Gold, Michael Phelps

Aired: 7/22/2012

Lara Logan interviews Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit; Byron Pitts reports on the demand for gold in India; Anderson Cooper profiles Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

45. Hard Times Generation, The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh

Aired: 7/29/2012

A report on homelessness in central Florida. Also: the life and death of Vincent van Gogh is discussed with biographers, who say that the widely-accepted notion that he committed suicide may not be true.

46. Sugar, Face Blindness

Aired: 8/5/2012

Sanjay Gupta investigates whether or not sugar is toxic; Lesley Stahl reports on face blindness, a condition that prevents people from recognizing faces.

47. Romney Ryan, Trapped in Unemployment, Joy in the Congo

Aired: 8/12/2012

Scott Pelley examines a program designed to help long-term unemployed workers get back into the job force; Morley Safer reports on artificial food flavors; and Bob Simon puts the spotlight on the Congo's Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra.

48. The Case Against Lehman Brothers, The Archbishop of Dublin, Aerosmith

Aired: 8/19/2012

The financial collapse of Lehman Brothers is studied via a conversation with a bank examiner who investigated the financial-service firm. Also: a sex-abuse crisis in the Irish Catholic Church; and an interview with classic rockers Aerosmith.

49. The Pledge, Stem Cell Fraud, The Sport of Kings

Aired: 8/26/2012

"The Pledge" rebroadcasts a profile of conservative anti-tax activist Grover Norquist. "Stem Cell Fraud" rebroadcasts an investigation into a doctor who falsely claims he can use stem cells to treat cerebral palsy. "The Sport of Kings" rebroadcasts a look at polo and efforts to make it popular in the United States.

50. Resurrecting Chrysler, The Flavorists, Teacher to the World

Aired: 9/2/2012

"Resurrecting Chrysler" rebroadcasts a segment on the revitalization of the automaker. "The Flavorists" rebroadcasts a segment on the people who make the artificial flavors in food. "Teacher to the World" rebroadcasts a segment on educator using computer to teach millions around the world.

51. Killing Bin Laden

Aired: 9/9/2012

Scott Pelley interviews a former SEAL who was part of the team that assassinated Osama bin Laden.

52. The Spymaster Speaks, The Player, The Year of Adele

Aired: 9/16/2012

"The Spymaster Speaks" rebroadcasts an interview with the former head of Israel's intelligence service. "The Player" rebroadcasts a profile of the famous sports agent Drew Rosenhaus. "The Year of Adele" rebroadcasts an interview with the singer.

53. President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney

Aired: 9/23/2012

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are interviewed.