Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Dish About Their New Year’s Eve Show

For the past eight New Year’s Eves, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have become synonymous with live CNN broadcasts from Times Square, frequently creating viral moments. Whether it’s Cooper’s infectious giggles or Cohen’s spirited rants, the duo never fails to entertain.https://wordpress.com/

This year was no exception. On a rainy but unusually warm night, they kept the energy alive while waiting for the iconic ball drop. The evening featured games, a doppelgänger costume contest, and candid questions for their celebrity guests, including Ralph Fiennes, Diplo, and Amy Sedaris.

In previous years, CNN wavered on allowing alcohol during the broadcast, even swapping drinks for pickle juice at times. This year, however, they got the green light, with Cohen bringing tequila and gold shot glasses to keep spirits high.

Despite wrapping up the night at Patti LuPone’s party—much to Cooper’s initial on-air hesitation—the hosts managed to catch only a few hours of sleep before reflecting on the broadcast in a Wednesday morning video call. Here are highlights from their conversation, edited for clarity.

How are you feeling this morning?

Anderson Cooper: I feel great. There’s nothing better than spending the night with a friend, having a blast, and then waking up to make eggs and toast for your kids.

Andy Cohen: Oddly enough, I feel amazing. I woke up at 7 a.m. to my kids watching Bluey. Anderson and I had such a great time, even with the rain pouring for nearly three hours.

Favorite moment of the night?

Cooper: Ralph Fiennes caught me off guard with his hilarious “demure” monologue. I couldn’t stop laughing.

Cohen: Ralph was fantastic, as were my parents. But the real highlight for me is the banter with Anderson. I love making him laugh, him making me laugh, and just our playful jabs—like his critique of my dancing or the absurdity of my wax figure.

Cooper: And the costume contest! Seeing Andy’s trainer as his stand-in was like a glimpse into a wild “Christmas future.”

On Diplo’s memorable moment…

Cohen: Diplo’s helicopter arrival and his revelation about trying LSD on air were peak live-TV moments. You can’t script that kind of chaos.

Cooper: Live TV truly shines when the unexpected happens.

Challenges of a rainy Times Square…

Cohen: Let’s just say Anderson’s umbrella etiquette left something to be desired.

Cooper: Andy was very particular about where the umbrella dripped. There were plenty of mid-interview “adjustments.”

Pre-show nerves?

Cohen: A little tequila at the start settled my nerves.

Cooper: Andy ensures there’s always plenty of tequila—enough for the crew, guests, and even post-show parties.

On dancing at clubs and hype songs…

Cooper: My clubbing days are behind me, but Dua Lipa’s “Be the One” and “IDGAF” are my go-to tracks for workouts.

Cohen: See? Anderson does have a current song.

Celebrating New Year’s now vs. before having kids…

Cohen: These days, it’s all about how the morning after feels. Last night, we partied hard, but now it’s about brunch with the kids.

Cooper: After a quiet morning making breakfast, it’s playground time for me.

New Year’s resolutions?

Cohen: Spend less time on my phone—same as every year.

Cooper: I support that for both of us, especially after catching Andy glued to his phone during Shania Twain’s performance.

And just like that, another New Year’s Eve with Anderson and Andy becomes part of their iconic legacy.