Anderson Cooper Seals CNN Future Despite Waning Primetime Ratings

Anderson Cooper's ties with CNN set to continue despite the odds.

The popular TV host has recently signed a new deal that allows him to remain with the network, but on the other side of things. This might be a questionable move, seeing that the network's primetime rating has fallen considerably.

Over the years, Anderson Cooper has anchored a wide range of events for CNN, ranging from election news, weekend programmes, and natural disaster reports to co-hosting the annual New Year's Eve celebration show.

Cooper's face time on the screens would reduce, but his presence at the network would not. The popular anchor may no longer be seen regularly by viewers, but this does not mean he is off CNN's payroll. 

He recently signed a deal with the news outlet, which allows him to focus on a different segment. There, he would be working on actively creating content for viewers who choose to subscribe to a recently-launched broadband service. 

Though no network executives have made statements to this, three people familiar with the matter have let the public in on some of the details. CNN's decision to retain Cooper may come as a surprise to many due to the move by many conventional news outlets to part ways with their veterans.

According to Variety, the evolving world has audiences leaning towards streaming video and mobile devices for news, information, and entertainment. This also plays a hand in media companies scrutinizing their workers' salaries, but notably, Cooper has been with the network since 2001.

The Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news division would be retaining its long-time anchor despite its waning primetime ratings. Data from Nielsen shows that Viewership for CNN's primetime lineup fell by 42% in the third quarter. Its audience viewers were also off by 58% for the 25-54 age bracket. 

As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, CNN must work harder to draw the audience into programs covering the events. This is an area where Cooper's on-screen presence was highly valued as he plays a significant role in election coverage.

As the economics of TV news became wavy, Cooper attempted to jump ship in June. He reportedly moved to the CAA talent agency. This was taken as a move to explore other opportunities and might have played a part in the network's decision to renew his contract.

A little over a year ago, while covering Hurricane Milton, Cooper took a hit to the face. The journalist was hit in the face by flying debris. A clip of this moment went viral, and the internet raved against CNN. Many fans were worried about his safety, considering his age at the time.

Although he also covered Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, he had not gotten close to injury or faced dangers while working. The Blast reported that he was captured soaking wet on the Mantee River with waves crashing against the platform where he stood.

Fans clapped back at the network, with some claiming they were trying to kill their staff, and others stating the importance of being safety-conscious in such situations.

So far, for eight consecutive years, Copper and his friend Andy Cohen have co-hosted the network's annual New Year's Eve celebration show. The show ushers the online global audience into the new year, live from New York City's Times Square.

The Hollywood Reporter shared that last year, the hosts kicked off the event at 8 p.m. with popular musical guests including Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Lil Jon, and others. They also featured comedians such as Adam Devine and Whitney Cummings.

The show goes on till midnight, with other reporters providing live coverage from different locations like Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Prescott, Arizona, and from the Times Square crowds, and in Madame Tussauds. Hosting this show has generated significant viewership for CNN across social media.

Cooper revealed that he had spent most of his life hating New Year's Eve, describing it as a hard night for him. His personal reason for this was heart-touching. He lost his father, five days into the new year in 1978, and every Eve brings those feelings back to him.

He shared that watching the New Year's Eve celebrations that year filled him with fear and a feeling of loneliness. Because of this, he started working on the Holiday to help take his mind off the sad feelings.

As reported by PEOPLE, Cooper has come to enjoy the good time he's spent working with Cohen and also tries to connect and relate with those who might be grieving during that time, too. "I've come also to enjoy being with all of you who are maybe watching alone or who are maybe grieving…," he said.

What will Anderson Cooper's next chapter at CNN be like?