Anderson Cooper Calls New York New Year’s Eve “Dreadful” Despite Two Decades as CNN Host

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has a surprising view of the holiday he’s famous for covering. He finds New Year’s Eve in New York City to be a “dreadful” experience. The journalist shared this blunt opinion in a recent interview with Parade magazine.

Cooper is preparing to host CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” special from Times Square once again. This marks over twenty years he has led the network’s annual broadcast.

From Holiday Escape to Celebrated Broadcast Tradition

Cooper’s initial reason for taking the hosting job was simple. He wanted to avoid the holiday altogether. According to his interview, he saw working as the perfect escape from the crowded, chaotic celebrations.

He started by hosting the multi-hour live shot solo. Cooper told Parade that no one else at CNN wanted the New Year’s Eve shift. He happily volunteered to fill the time.

His perspective began to change after co-host Andy Cohen joined the show. Their chemistry transformed the broadcast into a lighter, often humorous event. Cooper now calls the special a “bright spot” on his calendar.

The Unfiltered On-Air Dynamic with Andy Cohen

The partnership with Andy Cohen is central to the broadcast’s modern tone. Their banter is famously unfiltered and aided by on-air drinks. This dynamic has made the show must-watch television for many viewers.

During last year’s broadcast, their tipsy exchange made headlines. Cohen teased Cooper about his sex life live on CNN. The moment was emblematic of their loose, comedic rapport.

This shift has helped Cooper reconcile his personal dislike for the holiday with his professional role. He now embraces the celebration through his work with Cohen. The job he took to avoid New Year’s Eve has become a signature part of his career.

Despite his personal feelings, Anderson Cooper’s commitment to CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast remains unwavering, turning a night he once dreaded into a beloved televised tradition for millions.

Thought you’d like to know

How long has Anderson Cooper hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve show?

Anderson Cooper has been hosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast for over two decades. He started the role in the early 2000s.

Why did Anderson Cooper originally take the New Year’s Eve hosting job?

He originally took the job to avoid celebrating the holiday. Cooper wanted to work because he found New Year’s Eve in New York unpleasant.

Who is Anderson Cooper’s co-host on the CNN special?

His primary co-host is Andy Cohen, the Bravo host and executive producer. Their partnership began several years into the broadcast’s run.

What does Anderson Cooper think of New Year’s Eve now?

While he still finds the public celebration dreadful, he now views the CNN broadcast as a bright spot. He enjoys the dynamic with his co-host.

Where is CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast located?

The main broadcast is based in New York City’s Times Square. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen report from the heart of the celebrations.