As an actor, director, filmmaker and humanitarian, Rob Reiner impacted and inspired the lives of millions. Now, CBS celebrates his life and life’s work through the eyes of those who knew him in “CBS News: Rob Reiner – Scenes from a Life,” a one-hour special that will be broadcast Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O’Connell and Mandy Patinkin are among Reiner’s friends who open up in new, emotional interviews about his extraordinary career and legacy. The special also features Reiner in his own words, pulling from CBS News’ vast archive of interviews with the Hollywood legend, including his last sit-down with Lesley Stahl on “60 Minutes” this fall.

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CBS News looks back at Reiner’s life through some of his iconic films — “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “Misery,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “The American President” and “Stand By Me” — as well as his work as a star in the classic sitcom “All In The Family.”

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested in connection with their deaths.

For generations, Rob Reiner has been the storyteller behind moments that felt personal even when shared by millions. His films didn’t just entertain, they lingered, shaping how audiences understood love, courage, friendship, and humor. Reiner never tried to overpower a scene with ego. Instead, he built worlds where characters felt real, flawed, and deeply human.



Those who worked with him often speak about his quiet leadership. On set, Reiner was known for giving actors room to breathe, to explore, and to trust their instincts. Performers like Albert Brooks, Kathy Bates, Mandy Patinkin, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O’Connell, Annette Bening, and Michael Douglas all recall moments where a simple conversation with Reiner reshaped an entire performance.

That warmth and respect shine through in Rob Reiner Scenes from a Life, which looks beyond the famous titles to reveal the man behind the camera. Through emotional reflections and rare moments from Reiner’s own past interviews, the special paints a portrait of a filmmaker whose greatest achievement was not just iconic movies, but the deep loyalty and admiration he earned along the way.