Cooper, Cohen team up for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a time for friends to be together, and two of them will be doing that on national television.
Tonight, CNN’s “New Year’s Eve With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen” gives the host of the cable news channel’s “Anderson Cooper 360” a new cohort to help him ring in 2018 in New York’s Times Square. Cohen, of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” has done New Year’s Eve duty before (notably for NBC on a couple of occasions), but his pairing with Cooper is sure to mirror the camaraderie they’ve long shared.
In a tandem interview, Cooper and Cohen discussed — and got playful with — their plans for the upcoming New Year’s Eve that they’ll share with viewers.
What was your first thought about teaming up on-air on New Year’s Eve?
Cooper: Andy and I have been traveling around the country together for the last three years, doing a show that we call “AC2.” He’s one of my best friends and we love hanging out together, so it’s great to be able to do that here. I think we want to bring the same fun we’ve had doing that show to New Year’s Eve.
Cohen: Initially, when I found how long the show was (a scheduled 4A hours), I thought, “What am I getting myself into?” I have a great feeling of comfort being in front of people with Anderson, though, and it’s been made even better by doing the tour. It just feels like a really natural extension, and not only something that I’m comfortable with, but that I’m really excited about.
Kathy Griffin co-hosted the special with Anderson for 10 years. What would you say in regard to her?
Cooper: You know, look ... I think we both certainly wish her the best.
Cohen: For sure.
What’s your general feeling about New Year’s Eve?
Cohen: It’s kind of a lame term, but I guess you could say New Year’s Eve is “on brand” for me.
Cooper: What does that mean? I never really know, when people talk about their “brand.”
Cohen: It means I’m associated with fun.
Cooper: Oh. OK. It’s like Andy’s end-of-the-year party.
How is Times Square at midnight on New Year’s Eve as you’ve experienced it?
Cooper: I never like the term “magical.” I’m always skeptical of that, but ... .
Cohen: Why? Cooper: I don’t know. I just think it’s kind of a creepy word, but I’ve got to say, it’s really kind of amazing (in Times Square then). I get really emotional, but I hope I don’t do that around (Cohen). And it doesn’t last long. Fifteen minutes after midnight, the place is already starting to clear out.
Cohen: That’s because everyone has to go pee, right?
Cooper: That’s true. You’re not allowed to leave the pen that you’re in (until after the ball drops at midnight).
Cohen: I need to know about this.
Cooper: This is not the last we’ve heard about this from Andy.