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In an interview published on October 26, Andy Cohen confirmed that he’ll be returning to host CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with his buddy Anderson Cooper.
And yes, they’ll be drinking this year. CNN previously banned the pair from drinking on the show in 2022 due to Andy’s behavior in 2021. Not only did Andy criticize Ryan Seacrest, but he launched into a rant against former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio as the new mayor, Eric Adams, was being sworn in: “Sayonara, sucka!”
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper’s shots at the top of every hour
Andy confirmed that he and Anderson would definitely be imbibing on NYE. “Yes! You bet,” the Bravo executive told Variety. “After what Anderson did in that hurricane, I’m not only giving him tequila, I’m throwing it at him.”
Of course, Andy was referring to his BFF’s Hurrican Milton coverage in Bradenton, Florida. While reporting on location for CNN, Anderson was struck by some flying debris. Though the footage of Anderson getting smacked in the face was startling, some fans joked that the incident earned him the right to drink on-air on New Year’s Eve.
“CNN had better let Anderson Cooper blackout on New Year’s Eve for this,” one X user wrote. Another shared, “Watching Anderson Cooper earn his NYE party.”
Andy began cohosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve show in 2017
Andy took over cohost duties for CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live for the 2017-18 broadcast, replacing comedienne Kathy Griffin. This is when the tradition of tequila shots “at the top of every hour” became a thing. I just love watching Anderson — who is not a big drinker — gag, shudder, and go “Blech!” with every shot while becoming increasingly gigglier.
The Watch What Happens Live host has returned to cohost the show with his pal Anderson every year since. Social media posters get a kick out of his drunken antics, as well as Anderson’s facial expressions and body language while attempting to slam tequila.
It was during the 2021-22 show that an admittedly “overserved” Andy went after Ryan Seacrest’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. “If you look behind me, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest’s group of losers performing,” Andy said at the time. “I’m sorry, but if you’re watching ABC, you’re watching nothing.”
Following Andy’s breach of protocol, CNN decided to limit on-air consumption of alcohol. Andy apologized for his comments and even made amends with Ryan on a September 2024 episode of WWHL.
The no-drinking edict held until the 2022-23 show when CNN finally loosened the rules a bit. In November 2022, Andy announced that CNN “wanted Anderson and I to do our thing.”
“My only directive for years on CNN has been to have fun on New Year’s Eve, and that is absolutely what I plan to do,” Andy said.
TELL US – DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING ANDY MAKE ANDERSON TAKE TEQUILA SHOTS ON NYE? DO YOU GET A KICK OUT OF GIGGLY ANDERSON?
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