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Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will return as co-hosts of CNN’s New Year’s Eve special, hosting the show live from Times Square.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are set to return for their ninth consecutive year as co-hosts of CNN’s much-anticipated "New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" special. The live broadcast will originate from the heart of Times Square, New York City, and aims to guide viewers into 2026 with a festive evening filled with vibrant music, engaging laughter, and comprehensive live coverage from various celebrations around the globe. The special is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 31st. For streaming access, subscribers can exclusively watch the event on CNN’s new dedicated streaming subscription platform, accessible via CNN.com/AllAccess, as well as through CNN’s mobile application and connected TV applications on compatible Smart TVs. Complementing the main broadcast, CNN’s extensive team of reporters will be strategically positioned to deliver real-time updates and insights throughout the night. Richard Quest will be reporting live directly from the bustling crowds within Times Square itself, capturing the energy and excitement of the attendees. Randi Kaye will offer unique perspectives from New Orleans, Louisiana, showcasing the distinct celebratory traditions of the city. Stephanie Elam will bring viewers to the luxurious Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, highlighting its picturesque New Year's festivities. Isabel Rosales will cover the celebrations from Greater Lauderdale, Florida, while Harry Enten will provide reports from Prescott, Arizona, ensuring a broad geographical spectrum of the New Year's Eve atmosphere.
The grand Times Square New Year's Eve celebrations are scheduled to officially kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 31st. At this time, the iconic New Year's Eve ball will be ceremoniously raised to the summit of the flagpole at One Times Square, marking the start of the evening's festivities. The pivotal moment, the 60-second descent of the ball down the flagpole, is meticulously timed to begin at precisely 11:59 p.m. ET, culminating at midnight to signify the ushering in of the new year. This year's event will showcase the ninth iteration of the Constellation Ball, which holds the distinction of being the largest and most advanced ball used to date. It boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 12.5 feet in diameter and weighing a substantial 12,350 pounds. According to a news release from One Times Square, the ball features significantly enhanced and modernized technology, including a state-of-the-art lighting system, advanced motion capabilities, and a sophisticated control system, along with a new signature sound and interactive elements. A noteworthy addition this year is the ball's role in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Following the initial ball drop, a "surprise second post-midnight moment" is planned, where the ball will be relit with an exclusive America250 design. This special re-lighting will occur at approximately 12:04 a.m. ET, rising majestically above the illuminated "2026" numerals, adding a patriotic dimension to the global celebration.
The CNN New Year's Eve special promises an star-studded lineup of guests and performers designed to entertain audiences throughout the night. Viewers can anticipate appearances from notable personalities such as Stephen Colbert, musical acts including Florence + The Machine, RAYE, Oz Perlman, and comedy from Amy Sedaris and Sarah Sherman. Renowned musicians Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, and the legendary Patti LaBelle are also slated to join the celebration, alongside songwriter Michelle Williams, and the celebrity couple Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell, as well as B.J. Novak and Leanne Morgan. Adding to the live excitement, international pop sensation Robyn is scheduled to deliver a live performance directly from Times Square, adding a dynamic musical element to the central hub of celebrations. Simultaneously, Grammy-winning artists Brandy and Monica, representing The BPC (Black Promoters Collective) The Boy Is Mine Tour, will perform live from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, along with rock veteran Bryan Adams. Further diversifying the entertainment, global music icon Shakira will ring in the new year with a special performance from the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The Times Square stage itself will host additional live acts, commencing with Jenn O'Hagan performing the National Anthem. This will be followed by musical sets throughout the evening, including a performance by B.o.B at 6:30 p.m. ET, Tones and I at 11:55 p.m., and a captivating dance performance by the New York dance group AGNEW at 8:41 p.m., as detailed by Times Square organizers.
Beyond CNN's dedicated broadcast, viewers have multiple avenues to witness the highly anticipated 2026 Times Square ball drop and the surrounding New Year's Eve celebrations. Numerous broadcasters will be airing the event live on their respective television channels and streaming platforms, providing ample choice for audiences. For those seeking a direct and comprehensive experience, a live webcast will be available on Times Square's official website, starting promptly at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31st. This official webcast offers an exclusive, commercial-free view of the festivities leading up to the midnight Ball Drop. It promises unique content, including privileged backstage access, compelling behind-the-scenes stories, and insightful interviews with both performers and other celebrities involved in the event, as proudly announced by Times Square. Furthermore, to ensure accessibility for a wider audience, a dedicated livestream featuring open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be made available on YouTube, allowing diverse viewers to engage with the celebration. Additionally, USA TODAY itself will be streaming the New Year's Eve celebrations live from Times Square, commencing at 10 p.m. ET, offering another convenient option for those wishing to partake in the momentous countdown.