On New Year’s Eve, CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen kicked off their annual broadcast with a moment that quickly became memorable. The duo began the show with a ceremonial tequila shot, but it was Cooper who felt its effects immediately, reacting in a way that left many viewers amused.
The excitement around New Year’s Eve encompasses many things for different people. It’s a time for reflection, setting new resolutions, and enjoying the final moments of the past year. Media figures often celebrate these milestones, and for those in the public eye, it’s an opportunity to toast their achievements, whether with bubbly, mocktails, or something stronger.
For viewers, the evening means watching the final moments of the year unfold across various television broadcasts. With an array of specials to choose from, there’s something for everyone. While ABC airs Ryan Seacrest’s iconic Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, NBC offers Seth Meyers’ comedic take with The Day Drinking with Seth Meyers New Year’s Special.
The evening’s festivities span across the cable networks too. MSNBC and Fox News feature their reruns, while the more humorous Jimmy Failla’s All-American New Year’s Bash adds to the mix. But for CNN viewers, the highlight is often Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s wild antics on CNN New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
Just as the clock neared 8 p.m., the duo decided to make their New Year’s Eve broadcast unforgettable. Cohen, aware of the social media buzz encouraging Cooper to indulge, served the first shots of the evening. The playful pressure from fans to let Cooper have a bit of fun after his intense field reporting through hurricanes was palpable.
Anderson Cooper, however, was not ready for the full force of his first tequila shot. His immediate reaction—a mix of grimacing and visible convulsions—suggested that the alcohol had hit him harder than expected. In a moment of pure comedy, Cooper admitted to feeling the effects of the shot almost instantly, much to the delight of the viewers tuning in.
It was a lighthearted, funny moment during CNN’s New Year’s Eve show, but it also showcased Cooper’s playful side. Despite his reputation for serious news reporting, the tequila moment proved that even the most composed anchors can let loose for a bit of fun on television.
