8 Wildest Moments And Latest Updates From Anderson Cooper's CNN New Year's Eve Live

The annual "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" broadcast on CNN has become an unmissable cultural event, transcending a mere news program to become a source of unscripted, highly viral entertainment that millions tune into. As of December 10, 2025, the dynamic duo is already gearing up for their next broadcast to ring in 2026, fresh off the heels of their record-breaking 2025 celebration, which cemented their status as the kings of New Year's Eve television. The show's success is rooted in the genuine, slightly chaotic chemistry between the veteran CNN journalist and the Bravo host, a combination that guarantees hilarious, unpredictable, and often surprisingly poignant moments from Times Square.

The broadcast has evolved significantly since its inception, moving from a standard news countdown to a boisterous, tequila-fueled spectacle that generates endless social media fodder. Viewers are drawn to the sight of the famously composed Cooper letting his guard down, often reacting with genuine bewilderment or uncontrollable laughter to Cohen’s antics. This unique blend of high-brow journalism and low-brow revelry is precisely why their annual New Year's Eve party is now a television institution, setting the gold standard for late-night holiday programming and consistently drawing massive cable ratings.

Anderson Cooper: A Brief Biography and Vanderbilt Lineage

Anderson Hays Cooper, born on June 3, 1967, in New York City, is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in American broadcast journalism.

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• Full Name: Anderson Hays Cooper
• Date of Birth: June 3, 1967
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Education: Attended the Dalton School and later graduated from Yale University.
• Career Highlights: He is the primary anchor of the CNN news program *Anderson Cooper 360°*, a role he has held for two decades. He began his career traveling the world, filming war-torn regions, and later worked as a correspondent for ABC News. He also hosted the syndicated daytime talk show *Anderson Live*.
• Family & Lineage: Cooper is the son of artist and designer Gloria Vanderbilt and writer Wyatt Emory Cooper. He is a direct descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the 19th-century railroad magnate, making him a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family.
• Personal Life & Children: Cooper is openly gay and co-parents his two sons, Wyatt Morgan (born 2020) and Sebastian Luke (born 2022), with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani. He has frequently spoken about how fatherhood has provided the "best time of my life."
• Net Worth: His estimated net worth is in the range of $50 million to $60 million, primarily from his CNN salary and other ventures, though some estimates are significantly higher.

The Unscripted Magic: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's New Year's Eve Partnership

The pairing of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen for CNN’s New Year's Eve broadcast began in 2017, marking a pivotal shift in the network's holiday programming. Cooper had previously hosted the special with Kathy Griffin, but the introduction of Cohen, his long-time friend and Bravo executive/host, injected an entirely new, uninhibited energy into the show.

Their chemistry is the undisputed star of the show. Cooper, the composed, silver-haired newsman, contrasts perfectly with Cohen, the effusive, free-spirited host known for his candid commentary. The show is broadcast live from Times Square in New York City, capturing the global excitement of the ball drop.

A key element of their broadcast is the "hourly shots," often involving tequila, which leads to increasingly hilarious and unscripted moments as the night progresses. This tradition is largely responsible for the show's viral success, as viewers eagerly anticipate which celebrity or public figure Cohen will playfully roast, and how Cooper will react to the escalating silliness.

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The partnership has been a massive ratings success for CNN. The "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" broadcast ringing in 2024 was the number one cable program of the night, drawing one of the largest audiences the special has ever recorded, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their dynamic.

The 8 Wildest and Most Viral Moments from Recent Broadcasts

The duo’s annual broadcast has provided a treasure trove of memorable, unscripted television. These moments are often the result of the hosts taking their hourly shots, leading to a delightful lack of filter that viewers adore. Here are some of the most talked-about and viral incidents from their recent New Year's Eve specials:

1. The Tequila Shot Tradition

The single most defining feature of their show is the ritual of taking a shot of alcohol (often tequila) at the top of every hour. This tradition is the catalyst for many of the night's wildest moments, as Anderson Cooper’s usually stoic demeanor slowly dissolves into fits of giggles and candid reactions.

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2. Andy Cohen’s Mayor De Blasio Rant

Ringing in 2022, a visibly tipsy Andy Cohen launched into a lengthy, uninhibited rant about then-outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Cooper could only stand by, laughing uncontrollably and trying to gently steer the conversation back on track, a moment that instantly went viral across social media platforms.

3. Cooper’s Shocked Reaction to Cohen’s Roasts

Cohen is notorious for his celebrity roasts, and Cooper's reactions are often the highlight. In the 2025 broadcast, Cohen's playful, yet pointed jabs at various public figures caused Cooper to cover his face and shake his head, a reaction that viewers have come to expect and love.

4. The Meditation Moment for 2025

In a bizarre but hilarious segment during the broadcast ringing in 2025, the hosts attempted a moment of guided meditation amidst the chaos of Times Square. The juxtaposition of the mindfulness exercise with the drunken revelry and the hosts' own giggling made it a uniquely memorable and viral moment.

5. The Continuous Struggle with the Teleprompter

As the night progresses and the shots pile up, both hosts—but particularly Cohen—have visibly struggled to read the teleprompter. These minor, relatable blunders are often played for laughs, highlighting the live, unpolished nature of the show and endearing them further to the audience.

6. Ralph Fiennes Joining the Fun (2025)

During the special ringing in 2025, actor Ralph Fiennes made a surprise appearance, joining the hosts for a segment. His participation in the increasingly silly atmosphere added a surreal, star-studded layer to the broadcast, proving the show's growing cultural cachet.

7. The "What is that?" Moment

Anderson Cooper's genuine, often bewildered curiosity at some of the more unusual things happening in Times Square or being discussed by Cohen has led to numerous "What is that?" moments. His pure, unadulterated confusion is frequently clipped and shared as a classic Cooper reaction meme.

8. The Shania Twain and Sting Performances (2025)

The 2025 broadcast featured high-profile musical performances by legendary artists Sting and Shania Twain. The ability of the show to attract such major musical acts, combined with the hosts' unpredictable antics, perfectly encapsulates the show's unique blend of A-list entertainment and raw, spontaneous comedy.

What to Expect from the Next CNN New Year's Eve Live (Ringing in 2026)

Following the massive success of their 2025 program, CNN has already confirmed the return of its powerhouse duo. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are set to return to Times Square to ring in 2026, marking what will be their ninth year co-hosting the special together.

The show, titled *New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen*, will once again be broadcast live from New York City's Times Square. The coverage begins on December 31, 2025, and will be available on CNN, CNN International, and streaming on Max.

While the full list of guests and performers for the 2026 broadcast is typically announced closer to the date, viewers can absolutely expect the return of the show's most popular elements: the hourly shots, the candid celebrity commentary, and the undeniable, infectious friendship between the two hosts. The show consistently promises an evening of unexpected revelry that stands out from all other New Year's Eve programming, solidifying its place as a must-watch tradition for cable audiences worldwide.