Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen Confirm NYE 2026 Drinking on CNN
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are set to continue their New Year’s Eve hosting tradition for CNN’s 2026 broadcast, confirming that on-air drinking will indeed be part of the festivities. The longtime friends and co-hosts playfully announced their plans during a December 16 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where they even shared a shotski with Colbert and his bandleader.
Their dynamic often involves humorous recollections of past celebrations, such as Cohen “dragging” a reportedly “so drunk” Cooper to Patti LuPone’s afterparty in 2024. Cooper, who admits to only drinking with Cohen on New Year's Eve, acknowledged being tipsy but maintains he was “fully in control.” This contrasts with Cohen’s playful claims that he “drives the ship” by 10:45 p.m. due to Cooper’s slurred speech, a point Cooper disputes while also expressing concern over Cohen potentially making controversial remarks he'd have to defend.
This upcoming broadcast marks their ninth consecutive year together. The tradition of on-air drinking faced a brief halt in 2022 when CNN implemented a ban following controversial comments made by Cohen about Ryan Seacrest and former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. However, the ban was lifted, and the duo resumed their spirited celebrations in 2023, with Cohen famously pledging hourly tequila shots for New Year's 2025. Despite the past risks of controversial remarks and perceived intoxication, the drinking aspect has become a signature element of their widely watched show.
For New Year's Eve 2026, viewers can anticipate a star-studded lineup of performances from artists like Robyn, Shakira, Brandy and Monica, and Florence + The Machine. The broadcast will also feature special appearances from a diverse group of personalities, including Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Brandi Carlile, and Patti LaBelle, promising a lively and entertaining send-off to the year.
As beloved figures in entertainment, pop culture Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen continue to capture audiences' attention with their lively New Year's Eve celebrations.
