Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are ready to toast in 2026 with their signature booze-filled New Year’s Eve extravaganza on CNN tonight. The dynamic duo returns from Times Square for their ninth consecutive year hosting the network’s annual celebration. Expect live performances, comedy, celebrity guests, and plenty of alcohol as they count down to midnight.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Airtime: 8 p.m. ET on CNN tonight, Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Location: Live broadcast from Times Square, New York City
- Hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen (ninth consecutive year)
- Format: Fully booze-filled coverage with performers, comedy sketches, and celebrity appearances
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Anderson Cooper, the celebrated CNN journalist, and Andy Cohen, the Bravo entertainment mogul, have become synonymous with New Year’s Eve on television. Their established chemistry and unfiltered on-air personalities guarantee an entertaining night. The pair is renowned for their witty banter, spontaneous moments, and genuine joy during the annual countdown.
This marks their ninth consecutive year hosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live. Over the years, Anderson and Andy have created countless memorable moments that fans eagerly anticipate each December. CNN decided to bring them back once again to ring in 2026 from the heart of Times Square.
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Cohen has confirmed that he and Cooper “will be drinking” tonight, ending any speculation about restrictions. Andy joked on Watch What Happens Live that “it’s my job to get Anderson drunk,” referencing their well-known on-air dynamic. CNN briefly instituted an alcohol ban in 2022, but the network lifted restrictions, allowing the hosts to return to their signature booze-filled broadcasts.
The drinking element is central to their appeal, as fans have grown accustomed to seeing how their behavior shifts as the night progresses. Anderson Cooper has joked about not remembering much from previous years’ coverage. The alcohol serves as a catalyst for genuine, unscripted moments that casual viewers and devoted fans equally cherish.
Live Music, Comedy & Celebrity Guests Line the Schedule
| Program Element | Details |
| Performers | Shakira, Robyn, Brandy & Monica, Stephen Colbert (comedy) |
| Coverage Start | 7 a.m. ET (around-the-world coverage) |
| Main Show | 8 p.m. ET from Times Square |
| Format | Games, celebrity interviews, music, comedy, countdown to midnight |
CNN has assembled an impressive lineup for 2026. Superstar Shakira will perform from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, while Robyn takes the Times Square stage. The legendary duo of Brandy and Monica is also scheduled to perform. Comedy icon Stephen Colbert will make an appearance, adding laughs to the musical performances and celebrity interviews.
How to Watch CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live Tonight
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on CNN tonight, running through the midnight countdown and typically ending around 12:30 a.m. The show airs across multiple platforms for convenience. Viewers can watch on traditional CNN cable television or stream the event through various services.
For streaming options, CNN offers access through its new subscription platform CNN.com/AllAccess, the CNN mobile app, and connected TV apps on smart televisions. Cable and streaming subscribers can also access the broadcast through DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, or Hulu + Live TV. For those without cable, audiences can watch the live webcast on Times Square’s official website starting at 6 p.m. ET.
Will Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper Deliver Another Unforgettable Night?
Fans are buzzing about what tonight’s broadcast will bring. The formula that made previous years successful remains intact: two charismatic hosts, quality entertainment, flowing drinks, and genuine spontaneity. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen thrive on unexpected moments and unfiltered reactions that can’t be scripted.
Given their track record, 2026’s New Year’s Eve special promises memorable television. Whether it’s Anderson’s slurred delivery, Andy’s witty commentary, or surprising celebrity interactions, viewers are tuning in for eight consecutive hours of live entertainment from Times Square. The question isn’t whether they’ll impress, but what wild moments will emerge as the alcohol flows and the midnight countdown approaches.
Sources
- CNN Press Room – Official announcement of hosts and performers
- USA Today – Coverage details and airtime information
- The Sun – Andy Cohen’s booze confirmation statement
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.