Andy Cohen Dishes on Ringing in the New Year with Anderson Cooper

As the host of CNN’s iconic New Year’s Eve special, Andy Cohen has become a household name when it comes to celebrating in style. Known for his wit and humor, Cohen has made his mark not only as the host of Watch What Happens Live on Bravo but also as the mastermind behind The Real Housewives franchise. With the holidays approaching, Cohen sat down with First for Women to reflect on his career, his love of ringing in the New Year with Anderson Cooper, and his unique traditions.

Reflecting on 20 Years with Bravo

Andy Cohen has been a central figure in Bravo’s reality TV empire since 2004. He has seen The Real Housewives franchise evolve into one of the most talked-about TV shows in history. “When I look back at 20 years, I just think about the amazing people who have been on all the shows and the incredible work they’ve done,” Cohen reflects.

Creating compelling reality TV, according to Cohen, is all about finding dynamic personalities who bring a mix of humor, drama, and real opinions. “Characters who are funny, dramatic in a good way, and willing to speak their thoughts and have opinions—that’s the secret,” Cohen explains.

Even after two decades, Cohen remains deeply involved in every episode of The Real Housewives. “I watch every episode and give notes,” he says. “It’s still pleasurable for me, and I’m a huge fan.”

Staying Grounded Amid All the Drama

Andy Cohen RHONY

Though The Real Housewives is known for its over-the-top drama, Cohen prefers to keep his personal life simple. “I avoid social media distractions,” he says, focusing on unwinding with music and documentaries after a busy day. He’s a big fan of documentaries like the Martha Stewart doc and the Yacht Rock series.

Cohen also shares that his love for music runs deep. “I’m a huge Deadhead,” he says, referring to his passion for the Grateful Dead. “I also have my own channel, Andy’s Kiki Lounge, on SiriusXM, where I program all the music. It’s all music I love.”

When it comes to the holidays, Cohen loves to keep things low-key. “I’ll just be with my kids, chilling out and being cozy. I love being in New York for the holidays because it’s easy to get together with friends, and there’s no traffic.”

Ringing in the New Year with Anderson Cooper

While Cohen enjoys a laid-back holiday season, his New Year’s Eve plans are anything but relaxed. As cohost of CNN’s New Year’s Eve special with Anderson Cooper, Cohen brings his signature humor and excitement to millions of viewers across the globe.

“I just want to be with my friends,” Cohen says of his New Year’s Eve philosophy. “That’s why being in Times Square with Anderson is so important to me. We’ve spent many New Year’s together, even before the broadcast, so getting to do this with him is amazing.”

For Cohen, the New Year’s Eve special isn’t just about the celebration; it’s about creating a communal experience. “We make sure to include people who may feel alone or who have lost someone. It’s a communal experience, getting through the night together,” he explains.

What’s Next for the 2025 New Year’s Eve Special?

Cohen already has big plans for the 2025 broadcast. “We’re definitely going to have fun,” he says with a grin. “We’ll definitely do shots, and I’m definitely going to get Anderson to giggle. I’m working on a surprise or two for him. We’ll have Amy Sedaris and Patti LaBelle back, plus plenty of other guests joining us in Times Square.”

Despite having done the special for years, Cohen admits that filming the event still feels surreal. “It’s crazy that people wait around in Times Square for so long. It’s electric and surprising to enter that space with hundreds of thousands of people. And being out in the cold elements—it’s such a sensation.”

Wrapping Up with a Toast

While Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve traditions are always full of laughs, surprises, and star-studded guests, one thing remains constant: his drink of choice. Cohen is a big fan of Fresca Mixed, the soda brand’s new line of ready-to-drink cocktails, which pairs perfectly with his celebration style. “I call it a Fresc-quila, cleverly enough,” Cohen laughs, referring to his signature cocktail of Fresca mixed with tequila.

Conclusion: A Legendary New Year’s Eve with Andy Cohen

Whether you tune in for the humor, the surprise guests, or simply to see Cohen and Cooper’s infectious chemistry, Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve special has become an iconic tradition for millions of viewers. As 2025 approaches, we can expect even more fun, surprises, and heartfelt moments. Here’s to another unforgettable celebration with Andy Cohen!

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