CNN’s revamp might be underway, but some traditions remain intact, especially for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are set to reprise their roles as hosts for CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve program, broadcasting live from the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
Adding a new dynamic, Sara Sidner and Cari Champion will join as co-hosts, taking over the festivities at 12:30 a.m. to guide viewers through the central time zone celebrations. Sidner and Champion will be stationed at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas, infusing the broadcast with regional flair. This marks a shift from former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who previously anchored the late-night hours for CNN during these celebrations.
The network’s commitment to delivering an engaging and diverse New Year’s Eve experience remains steadfast with this mix of veteran hosts and fresh perspectives. Cooper and Cohen’s camaraderie, coupled with Sidner and Champion’s energy, promises an engaging and multi-faceted broadcast to ring in the new year for audiences across the nation.
While CNN’s new chief, Mark Thompson, might have plans to revitalize the network’s content, the New Year’s Eve program maintains its long-standing appeal by bringing back a winning combination of familiar faces and introducing new talent to ensure an entertaining and inclusive celebration. This announcement reaffirms CNN’s dedication to delivering a lively, memorable, and nationwide New Year’s Eve broadcast, setting the stage for a festive start to the upcoming year.
