Exclusive Insights into Andy Cohen's Revelations on Alcohol Consumption during CNN's 'New Year's Eve Live' with Anderson Cooper
Andy Cohen opens up about his drinking habits on CNN’s ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ with Anderson Cooper, revealing his regrets, plans for 2023, and hopes for the future Find out what he had to say in this candid interview
Andy Cohen, along with his tequila, has been generating attention for CNN ever since he assumed the role of cohosting New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper. Taking over from Kathy Griffin for the 2017-18 broadcast, the producer of The Real Housewives joined his best friend to celebrate the New Year on the extensive show, incorporating shots "at the beginning of each hour."
Cooper's attempts to consume tequila always became a topic of amusement among social media users. However, during the 2021-22 show, it was Cohen's intoxicated behavior that drew attention, particularly when he criticized Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. Additionally, Cohen received media coverage that year for his scathing remarks about then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"In case you observe the space behind me, you'll witness Ryan Seacrest's assembly of underachievers performing... Apologies, but if you're tuning into ABC, you're witnessing sheer mediocrity," Cohen remarked during that time.
During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, he admitted that his comment about Seacrest was his sole regret of the evening. CNN released a statement stating they have addressed the issue with him and expressed anticipation for his return next year.
Preparations for the 2022-23 show were underway when Variety reported that Chris Licht, the chairman of CNN, intended to make New Year's Eve Live a more serious event. Cohen, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November 2022, disclosed Licht's request for the correspondents to refrain from drinking but still wanted him and Anderson to maintain their usual style. Cohen expressed his willingness to comply, stating that his only guidance from CNN over the years had been to have fun on New Year's Eve, and he fully intended to do just that.
Scroll through for more from Cohen about drinking on NYE:
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Everything Andy Cohen Has Said About Drinking on CNN’s ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ With Anderson Cooper
Andy Cohen, along with his tequila, has been generating attention for CNN ever since he became the cohost of New Year's Eve Live alongside Anderson Cooper. Taking over from Kathy Griffin for the 2017-2018 broadcast, the producer of The Real Housewives joined his best friend on the extensive show to welcome the New Year, incorporating shots "at the beginning of each hour."
Cooper's attempts at taking tequila always attracted jokes from social media users, but it was Cohen's drunken behavior that caused a stir during the 2021-22 show. His remarks throwing shade at Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve received significant attention. Additionally, Cohen made headlines that year for criticizing then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"In case you haven't noticed, Ryan Seacrest's bunch of underachievers are performing behind me... I apologize, but if you're tuning in to ABC, you're essentially tuning in to nothing," Cohen stated during that time.
During an interview on The Howard Stern Show, he admitted that his comment about Seacrest was his sole remorse of the evening. In response to the incident on live television, CNN released a statement stating, "Andy made an inappropriate remark that we have discussed with him, and we anticipate his return next year."
As preparations for the 2022-23 show commenced, Variety disclosed that CNN chairman Chris Licht aimed to make New Year's Eve Live more serious. Cohen, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in November 2022, revealed Licht's preference for himself and Anderson to maintain their style while requesting the correspondents to refrain from drinking. Cohen expressed his willingness to adhere to this directive, as his long-standing goal on CNN for New Year's Eve has always been to have fun, a principle he fully intends to uphold.
Scroll through for more from Cohen about drinking on NYE:
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Anderson Is a ‘Lightweight’
Cohen, who has been on the show since December 2017, took it upon himself to ensure that Anderson was thoroughly intoxicated before the 2020-21 show, in light of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
In December 2020, Cohen made this remark on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert: "He's incredibly lightweight. If breaking news happens while we're live, I'll be the one handling it... It's a genuinely authentic experience, unlike the scripted content on other networks."
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Being ‘Overserved’ in 2021-22
On January 1, 2022, Cohen made a comeback on Twitter and openly acknowledged being "a bit overserved" the previous night. In response to a critic who labeled him as "irresponsible," he defended himself by stating, "I consciously chose to consume alcohol on New Year's Eve and guide a virtual audience in celebrating to bid farewell to a dreadful year. I feel no shame. Both I and others had a great time. Happy New Year."
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Regrets Ryan Dig
"I deeply regret criticizing the ABC broadcast. I want to clarify that I greatly admire Ryan Seacrest and consider him to be a wonderful person," expressed the producer during an interview on Sirius XM's Andy Cohen Live in January 2022. "My remarks were foolish and made in a state of intoxication. ... That is my absolute remorse. Truly, I deeply regret it."
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The Length of the Show
Cohen revealed during a conversation with Howard Stern in January 2022 that the show lasted for a duration of four and a half hours. The effects of alcohol became noticeable around 11:30 PM, capturing everyone's attention during the final 45 minutes or so of the broadcast. With just 45 minutes remaining, Cohen's energy levels surged as he entered a state of high productivity. Prior to that point, a total of 15 interviews had already been conducted.
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Doesn’t Remember ‘Sayonara, Sucka’ Diss
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2022, Cohen shared an amusing anecdote about his experience on CNN. He described the thrill of passionately expressing his opinions and the exhilaration of being on a soapbox. However, what surprised him was discovering his own Twitter rant about de Blasio, the outgoing mayor of New York. Cohen confessed that he had no recollection of saying "Sayonara, sucka" to de Blasio until Anderson Cooper reminded him of it. The realization left Cohen in awe, exclaiming, "Oh my God!"
Cohen had previously confronted de Blasio, expressing his dissatisfaction with the politician's actions. On New Year's Day, 2021, right after midnight, he voiced his frustration, stating that he did not want to witness the mayor dancing and urging him to take action to improve the state of the city.
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Going to ‘Party Harder’ Ahead of 2023
“[The headline] read, ‘CNN intends to elevate New Year’s Eve coverage without excessive alcohol consumption.’ In a November 2022 revelation on WWHL, Cohen clarified, ‘I want to make it clear that Anderson [Cooper] and I will still be permitted to indulge in libations.’ Moving forward, I want to assure you that Anderson and I will revel more enthusiastically than ever before on New Year’s Eve! Do you comprehend my enthusiasm?!”
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Actually, No Drinking to Ring in 2023
Cohen stated to Page Six that despite the ongoing buzz surrounding the 2022-23 broadcast, both he and Cooper will no longer consume alcoholic beverages on-screen. However, he emphasized that they will still thoroughly enjoy themselves.
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Partying Is in the Job Description
Cohen expressed his enthusiasm for his appearance on CNN, comparing it to being a guest in a new place. In an interview with Rolling Stone in December 2022, he explained that after his CNN stint, he would return to Bravo at 12:30 in the morning and wrap up his duties there. He added, "While I'm at CNN, I can shake things up a bit before moving on."
The Real Housewives producer explained that his role on the broadcast is to push Anderson out of his comfort zone and ensure a fun atmosphere. "My responsibility is to be a lively host for all the viewers on New Year's Eve," Cohen added. "And that's exactly what I'll continue doing."
He further clarified that while CNN requested their correspondents not to drink, this guideline doesn't apply to the cohosts. Cooper and I "will be the ones enjoying the party on CNN," the Radio Andy host continued. "In fact, if the correspondents aren't drinking this year, I'll be partying even harder on their behalf."
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‘Hopefully’ He’ll be Allowed to Drink Going Forward
Cohen shared his hopes for the 2023-24 broadcast, noting that he didn’t want to “be sneaking” alcohol.
"I haven't received any updates yet, but it's about time they allow us to enjoy a drink. After all, it's New Year's Eve," he expressed to E! News in November 2023. "Last year, viewers were not pleased with our inability to drink, and their reaction truly mattered to them. I genuinely hope that CNN considers the people's desires and grants them their wishes."
