60 Minutes Season 41 Episode 3 Episode 3

In episode three of the 41st season of CBS's long-running news magazine show "60 Minutes," viewers are taken on a thought-provoking journey through a number of different topics of national and international importance.

The episode opens with a segment on the recent criminal charges brought against pharmacy giant Purdue Pharma for their role in perpetuating the opioid epidemic. Correspondent Bill Whitaker speaks with legal experts and advocates who are hoping that the charges will finally bring accountability to the company and its owners, the Sackler family, and begin the process of healing for communities across America.

Next, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi investigates the troubling trend of so-called "deepfake" videos, which use advanced technology to manipulate digital images and create videos that appear to show people saying and doing things that they never actually did. Alfonsi speaks with experts in the field, including computer scientists and journalists, who warn that this technology is becoming more advanced and easier to use by the day, making it harder than ever to trust the authenticity of what we see and hear online.

In the episode's third segment, correspondent Jon Wertheim takes a deep dive into the world of college football and the ongoing debates around player pay and exploitation. Wertheim speaks with current and former college athletes, coaches, and administrators, as well as legal experts and advocates, to better understand the challenges facing these young men and women as they balance the demands of athletics and academics on campuses across the country.

Finally, correspondent Anderson Cooper profiles legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in a wide-ranging interview that touches on her humble beginnings, her iconic career, and her philanthropic efforts, including her recent donation to COVID-19 vaccine research. Cooper speaks with Parton about her status as one of the most beloved entertainers in American history and what motivates her to continue writing and performing music even after all these years.

Overall, episode three of "60 Minutes" season 41 offers a rich and varied look at some of the most urgent and important issues of our time, combining investigative journalism with incisive interviews and thoughtful analysis to create a nuanced portrait of the world we live in today.