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CBS Reports was a news and documentary program that aired on the CBS Network from 1959 to 1971. The program was known for its in-depth reporting and investigation on a wide range of issues, including politics, social issues, and current events. It was first broadcast in 1959 and continued until it was renamed CBS News Hour in 1971.

The show was created and produced by Fred W. Friendly, who had previously worked with CBS on programs such as See It Now and The Ed Murrow Show. The show was designed to address topical issues in a manner that was both informative and engaging. The show's theme music was composed by Leonard Bernstein.

Each episode of CBS Reports focused on a particular topic, such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, and poverty in America. The program's documentaries were renowned for their thoroughness, as they often featured interviews with key figures and in-depth research into the subject matter. The show was often cited as a prototype for modern investigative journalism, and its influence can be seen in the work of numerous journalists and documentary filmmakers.

One of the show's most famous episodes was the 1960 documentary "Harvest of Shame," which focused on the plight of migrant farm workers in the United States. The show's producers spent weeks documenting the working conditions and living conditions of these workers, revealing a disturbing reality of poverty and exploitation. The program helped to spark a national conversation about labor rights and working conditions, and it is still considered a classic of investigative journalism.

Another notable episode of CBS Reports was "The Selling of the Pentagon," which first aired in 1971. The program investigated how the U.S. Department of Defense was using public relations tactics to shape public opinion about the Vietnam War. The program revealed that the Pentagon had been paying millions of dollars to advertising agencies to produce positive news stories about the war, and it is considered a landmark in the history of media criticism.

Other episodes of CBS Reports covered topics such as the Watergate scandal, the Soviet Union, and the civil rights movement. The program was often lauded for its ability to present complex issues in a way that was both informative and accessible to the general public.

In addition to its documentaries, CBS Reports also featured long-form interviews with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Richard Nixon. The show's producers sought to elicit candid and informative answers from their subjects, and the resulting interviews were often insightful and informative.

Despite its critical acclaim, CBS Reports faced criticism from some quarters for its perceived liberal bias. The program's coverage of the Vietnam War, in particular, was controversial, as some accused the show of being unpatriotic or anti-American. However, others praised the program for its willingness to tackle difficult subjects and present a nuanced perspective on complex issues.

Today, CBS Reports is remembered as a groundbreaking example of the potential of documentary journalism to inform and engage audiences. The program's influence can be seen in the work of numerous journalists and filmmakers who have sought to tackle social and political issues with the same level of thoroughness and care. Though the show is no longer on the air, its legacy continues to inspire and inform those who seek to use the power of media to inform and engage the public.

CBS Reports is a series that ran for 9 seasons (126 episodes) between April 11, 2016 and on CBS