Andy Cohen Breaks Silence On CNN's Plan To Sober Up New Year's Eve Show

Andy Cohen plans to “party harder” at this year’s “New Year’s Eve” show in light of CNN’s intention to have sober coverage.

The 54-year-old, alongside Anderson Cooper, has co-hosted CNN's “New Year's Eve” Show since 2017. It became a festive rite for the hosts to down shots of alcohol while they chatted on the show. With only a few days left until the end of the year, CNN moved to ban drinking on the show.

However, the “Watch What Happens Next” host has a response for CNN, as he intends to break some rules. 

The host shared a clip from an episode of his hit show “Watch What Happens Next” on Instagram, where he gave a response to CNN’s new rules. The clip began with Cohen giving the Jackhole of the Day spot to a Variety article with the headline, “CNN Plans to Sober Up Boozy New Year's Eve Coverage." 

The producer went on to point out an essential part of the article. In his words, “The article does point out that Anderson and I are still allowed to drink. So, we can all say this to my sobriety.” He then jokingly shared a clip of himself from last year’s broadcast yelling, “Sayonara, sucka!” 

Afterward, he gestured for the camera to zoom in on his face. With the camera zoomed in on Cohen, he enthusiastically laid emphasis on his plans. 

“I just want you to know Anderson and I are going to party harder than we have ever partied before on New Year’s Eve!” he shouted. “Do you understand me?!” At this passionate declaration, his audience applauded loudly and cheered him on. 

In the Variety article the “Superficial” author referred to, the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet wants to cut back some of the festive traditions in the coverage of the last night of the year’s show. 

While Cohen and Cooper would be allowed to drink as they host the show, other correspondents and anchors would be required to put the practice on hold. 

This sobriety update comes after the CEO, Chris Licht, revealed to employees in a town hall meeting on November 15 that “he felt on-camera drinking eroded the credibility of CNN personnel and damaged the “respectability” they may enjoy among viewers.”

In recent years, viewers have witnessed the “Bravo” host and Cooper liven up the show. Last year, the writer used the New Year’s Eve platform to rail against former New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio.

Fans may recall that the producer made headlines when he called out the American politician at last year’s New Year’s Eve coverage. At the time, it reported that after the video went viral, the radio host said he was a “bit over-served.”

On the show, the hosts downed shots of tequila; the first shot was to honor Betty White following her sudden passing, and then more shots followed after this. Some minutes past midnight, and after several takes, the writer came for the Democrat. 

“Let me tell you something,” Cooper began his rant. “Watching Mayor de Blasio do his victory lap dance after four years of the crappiest term as the mayor of New York.” Immediately, Cooper interjected, saying, “Oh, don't go on a rant. Don't go on a rant!" But Cohen wouldn't be stopped.

"The only thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been," Cohen added. "So, sayonara, sucka!"

Cooper, shocked by this outburst, tried, to no avail, to keep Cohen from going off track. He interrupted Cohen several times, asking "This is how you want to start the New Year?" But Cohen didn't budge.

He continued saying, “2022! It's a new year, 'cause guess what?" I have a feeling I'm going to be standing right here next year, and you know who I'm not going to be looking at dancing as the city comes apart? You."

After this outburst went viral, the producer shared several snaps from the show. Alongside the pictures, he captioned, "I was a hair over-served last night, but man did I have fun! I hope you did too. Happy New Year everybody."

We definitely can’t wait for this year’s coverage of the show!