Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Return for Ninth Year of CNN's New Year's Eve Celebration

The dynamic duo of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are back in Times Square tonight for their ninth consecutive year hosting CNN's New Year's Eve Live, delivering what has become a beloved tradition for viewers who prefer their countdown celebrations with a side of unpredictable humor and genuine friendship.

The Tradition Continues

Starting at 8:00 PM ET, the Emmy Award-winning pair will broadcast live from the heart of New York City's iconic Times Square, guiding viewers into 2026 with an evening filled with music, laughter, and surprises. Their chemistry and willingness to let loose on live television has made CNN's coverage a refreshing alternative to more traditional New Year's Eve programming.

The Cooper-Cohen partnership has evolved into must-see television over their eight previous years together. Their banter ranges from heartfelt to hilarious, often within the same segment, creating moments that become instant social media sensations. Whether discussing serious topics with their trademark wit or descending into fits of laughter, the two friends bring an authenticity that resonates with audiences.

Star-Studded Guest Lineup

This year's broadcast features an impressive roster of performers and guests. Swedish pop sensation Robyn will perform live from Times Square, marking her return to the spotlight after releasing her first single in seven years last month. Her performance is expected to include hits like "Dancing on My Own," "Call Your Girlfriend," and "Dopamine."

Global superstar Shakira takes the stage from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, bringing her infectious energy to the celebration. The night also features performances from R&B legends Brandy and Monica from The Boy Is Mine Tour, rock icon Bryan Adams performing from Madison Square Garden, and the ethereal Florence + The Machine.

Late-night comedy meets New Year's Eve as Stephen Colbert joins the festivities, lending his sharp wit to the evening. Other notable guests include mentalist Oz Perlman, actress Amy Sedaris, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, Grammy winner Aloe Blacc, legend Patti LaBelle, Tony-nominated Michelle Williams, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell, and comedians B.J. Novak, Leanne Morgan, and Saturday Night Live's Sarah Sherman.

Yes, Daddy Gets His Juice

One question that fans ask every year has been definitively answered: Anderson and Andy will be allowed to drink on air this New Year's Eve. The tradition of their midnight toast has become as much a part of the show as the ball drop itself. During the 2023 broadcast, Cohen famously asked, "Does daddy get his juice?" to which Cooper responded, "Can daddy get his juice responsibly?" The answer, as always, was yes—though "responsibly" is subject to interpretation as the night progresses.

Their on-air drinking has led to some of the broadcast's most memorable moments over the years, with inhibitions lowering and laughter increasing as midnight approaches. It's this willingness to be genuine and have fun that distinguishes CNN's coverage from more buttoned-up network alternatives.

Global Coverage

While Cooper and Cohen anchor from Times Square, CNN deploys correspondents across the globe to capture New Year's celebrations as they unfold in different time zones. Richard Quest reports from the crowds in Times Square, Randi Kaye broadcasts from New Orleans, Stephanie Elam checks in from Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Isabel Rosales covers Greater Lauderdale, Florida, and Harry Enten reports from Prescott, Arizona.

International correspondents include Angus Watson in Sydney, Hanako Montgomery in Tokyo, Mike Valerio in Harbin, Bijan Hosseini in Hong Kong, Melissa Bell in Paris, Victoria Rubadiri in Luanda, Atika Shubert in Madrid, Max Foster in Edinburgh, Julia Vargas Jones in Rio de Janeiro, Lynda Kinkade in Nashville, Omar Jimenez in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Elex Michaelson and Coy Wire in Pasadena, and Victor Blackwell also in Times Square.

This global reach allows CNN to showcase how different cultures celebrate the arrival of the new year, creating a truly worldwide celebration that connects viewers across continents.

After Midnight Coverage

When Cooper and Cohen sign off at 12:30 AM ET, CNN's Sara Sidner and Cari Champion take over the celebration from Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas. They'll count down to the new year as the Central Time Zone rings in 2026, featuring performances by country legend Vince Gill and other artists. This extended coverage ensures CNN viewers can follow the New Year as it arrives across American time zones.

Streaming Options

For the first time, CNN's New Year's Eve programming will stream exclusively on CNN's new streaming subscription platform, available to subscribers at CNN.com/AllAccess, and on CNN's mobile app and connected TV apps on Smart TVs. Pay TV subscribers can also access the stream by logging in with their credentials, making the broadcast accessible across multiple platforms.

Memorable Moments from Past Years

Cooper and Cohen have created countless viral moments during their tenure. From Cooper's giggles becoming increasingly uncontrollable as the night progresses to Cohen's unfiltered commentary on various topics, their broadcasts have delivered genuine entertainment. Guest interactions have ranged from touching to bizarre, with celebrities often getting swept up in the infectious energy the duo creates.

Tonight's broadcast already featured the pair being given puppets of each other, leading to the expected chaos as they attempted to answer questions while using the puppets. It's this kind of spontaneous, slightly absurd content that has become the show's signature.

The duo also discussed the breakout Canadian gay hockey series "Heated Rivalry" during tonight's broadcast, with Cohen confidently stating, "Of the two of us, you're Ilya and I'm Shane," referencing the show's main characters. Later, when chatting with Brandi Carlile, Cohen asked if lesbians care about the series, to which Carlile replied it's all she can think about, nearly causing Cooper to fall over with laughter.

Why It Works

The success of CNN's New Year's Eve coverage with Cooper and Cohen comes down to authenticity. Unlike heavily produced network specials that feel rehearsed and safe, CNN's broadcast embraces spontaneity and genuine emotion. Cooper and Cohen are actual friends who clearly enjoy each other's company, and that chemistry translates through the screen.

They're not afraid to be silly, to call out absurdities, or to have real conversations in between the entertainment. They balance levity with substance, honoring the tradition of New Year's Eve while refusing to take themselves too seriously. In an era of carefully curated public personas, their willingness to be unfiltered and real resonates with audiences.

The Appeal of Adult Alternative

While ABC's Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve aims for broad family appeal and NBC's coverage leans traditional, CNN positions itself as the adult alternative. Cooper's news credibility combined with Cohen's entertainment industry connections and pop culture expertise creates a unique blend. They can discuss serious topics with intelligence while also debating reality TV drama with equal passion.

This positioning has carved out a dedicated audience who return year after year to ring in the new year with two friends who feel like they're part of your own celebration. The broadcast doesn't demand your full attention—you can dip in and out as you celebrate with friends and family—but when you tune in, you're guaranteed entertainment.

Looking Forward

As Cooper and Cohen prepare to count down to 2026, they carry with them eight years of history and memorable moments. Each year adds new layers to their on-air partnership and new inside jokes for loyal viewers. The preview special "Countdown to New Year's Eve with Anderson & Andy!" offered a look back at their most famous and infamous moments while teasing what's in store for tonight.

For viewers seeking a New Year's Eve celebration that's equal parts entertainment, emotion, and unpredictability, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen deliver once again. Whether you're watching the ball drop from Times Square, enjoying performances from around the country, or simply soaking in the friendship and fun of the two hosts, CNN's New Year's Eve Live offers a unique way to usher in 2026—preferably with your own glass raised alongside daddy's juice.

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