The Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen relationship has become one of television’s most recognizable and enduring friendships. Their close bond, built on mutual respect, humor, and shared life experiences, continues to shine each year during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast from Times Square. While many fans have long wondered if the two are romantically involved, both Cooper and Cohen have repeatedly clarified that their relationship is purely platonic — a deep, decades-long friendship that has only grown stronger over time.
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How Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Met
The story of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s relationship dates back more than two decades. The two were first introduced in the early 1990s through a mutual friend — and as both have recounted on television, their initial meeting didn’t go as planned.
At the time, a friend tried to set them up on a blind date. However, before it even happened, Cooper said he immediately knew it wouldn’t work romantically because Cohen broke one of his “dating rules”: he was too quick to talk about his famous mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. That moment ended any possibility of a romance, but it marked the beginning of what would evolve into a lifelong friendship.
From there, the two began crossing paths professionally. Cooper was building his career as a broadcast journalist, eventually becoming a mainstay at CNN, while Cohen was producing and later hosting Watch What Happens Live! on Bravo. Over the years, their shared sense of humor and similar worldviews made them close friends — both in and outside of the spotlight.
Their Friendship in the Public Eye
What sets the Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen relationship apart from other celebrity friendships is how genuinely unscripted it feels. Whether they’re co-hosting New Year’s Eve coverage or sharing candid moments on talk shows, the two never hold back from teasing each other affectionately on camera.
Fans have watched their friendship play out through laughter-filled moments on CNN and emotional interviews on Bravo. They often appear on each other’s shows, with Cohen frequently inviting Cooper onto Watch What Happens Live! for honest and hilarious conversations about pop culture, politics, and parenthood.
Their authenticity and chemistry have made them one of TV’s most beloved duos. Both men have said they see each other as family, and that dynamic translates naturally to viewers — who tune in every year to see their banter light up Times Square.
Co-Hosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live
One of the most high-profile parts of their friendship is their annual hosting of CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, broadcast live from Times Square. Since 2017, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have co-hosted the event, which has become a holiday tradition for millions of Americans.
Each year, the pair leads viewers through hours of live coverage, interviews, and spontaneous moments as the world counts down to midnight. Their mix of Cooper’s journalistic professionalism and Cohen’s unfiltered humor creates the perfect on-air balance.
CNN renewed their hosting partnership for the 2026 broadcast, and the pair once again delivered an energetic show filled with laughter, celebrity cameos, and musical performances. This year’s program featured live interviews with performers from Times Square and other locations across the country. As always, fans praised their chemistry — even as the duo occasionally poked fun at each other throughout the night.
Their New Year’s Eve partnership has become so iconic that many viewers can’t imagine the celebration without them.
Are Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Dating?
Despite ongoing public speculation, both Cooper and Cohen have consistently stated that they are not — and have never been — romantically involved. Their bond is based entirely on friendship and trust.
Anderson Cooper, 58, is a father of two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, whom he co-parents with his former partner Benjamin Maisani. Andy Cohen, 57, is also a father of two — Benjamin and Lucy — both born via surrogate. The two men have often shared their experiences as gay fathers on television, providing visibility and inspiration to LGBTQ+ families across the country.
Their ability to relate to each other’s parenting journey has strengthened their friendship even further. In multiple interviews, they’ve said that their shared experiences as single dads have deepened their connection. Cohen once joked that their kids will probably grow up “like cousins” because of how close the two families have become.
How They Support Each Other
The Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen relationship is rooted in support, loyalty, and humor. Over the years, both have been there for each other during personal highs and lows.
- When Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt, in 2020, Cohen was among the first to celebrate publicly.
- Cohen leaned on Cooper for advice and support as he became a father himself.
- They’ve appeared together on talk shows to discuss fatherhood, friendship, and navigating life in the public eye.
Off-screen, they spend time together with their children, traveling and attending events. Cohen has described Cooper as “family,” while Cooper has called Cohen one of his most trusted friends.
Their mutual respect extends beyond personal life. Professionally, they admire each other’s success — Cooper for his respected journalism career at CNN and Cohen for his groundbreaking work at Bravo, where he became the first openly gay late-night host in the U.S.
Their Different Yet Complementary Personalities
Part of what makes their friendship so magnetic is their contrasting personalities. Anderson Cooper is known for his composed, analytical style as a journalist, while Andy Cohen brings a bold, spontaneous energy from the world of entertainment.
When hosting together, these differences create moments of pure comedy. Cooper’s occasional on-air discomfort when Cohen goes off-script has become a fan-favorite aspect of their New Year’s Eve coverage. Cohen, meanwhile, keeps things lighthearted, often coaxing Cooper to relax and laugh more freely during the broadcast.
The balance between them — professionalism and playfulness — is what keeps audiences coming back each year.
Behind the Scenes of Their On-Air Chemistry
Viewers often assume that much of their CNN New Year’s Eve broadcast is scripted, but both men have said that most of it is entirely spontaneous. Cohen has described the show as “controlled chaos,” while Cooper has admitted that their dynamic works best when they’re just being themselves.
Their genuine friendship off camera makes their on-screen chemistry natural. Even their teasing moments stem from a place of familiarity and affection. Over time, their partnership has become one of CNN’s strongest draws, consistently bringing in high ratings during the New Year’s broadcast window.
Public Interest in Their Friendship
Few TV friendships capture the public’s imagination like Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s. Part of the fascination comes from how open they are about their connection, while still keeping certain parts of their personal lives private.
Their friendship represents something rare in Hollywood — a platonic, lasting relationship between two openly gay men who share mutual respect and history without any professional rivalry. Fans admire that dynamic, viewing them as role models for authenticity and friendship.
Social media further amplifies their bond. Their posts together often go viral, whether it’s a behind-the-scenes selfie from CNN’s Times Square coverage or a candid shot of their kids playing together.
Their Impact Beyond Television
Beyond their television roles, Cooper and Cohen have used their platforms to advocate for equality and understanding. Cooper continues his work as one of the most respected journalists in America, covering major global events for CNN. Cohen, meanwhile, uses his Bravo platform to highlight LGBTQ+ voices and stories in pop culture.
Together, their visibility as successful, openly gay fathers in media has helped normalize and celebrate different kinds of family structures. They’ve also shown that friendship and support can cross the boundaries of profession, personality, and fame.
What’s Next for Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
As of January 2026, both Cooper and Cohen show no signs of slowing down.
- Anderson Cooper continues hosting Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN and producing in-depth documentaries.
- Andy Cohen remains at the helm of Watch What Happens Live!, which recently marked over 15 years on air.
- Their CNN New Year’s Eve special is expected to continue in future years, given its ongoing popularity.
Their enduring collaboration and friendship remain central to their public personas — and fans eagerly await their next on-air reunion.
Why Their Friendship Resonates with Fans
The Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen relationship endures because it feels real. Viewers see two people who have built their friendship on trust, shared humor, and genuine care. It’s not about celebrity — it’s about connection.
Their story shows that true friendship can withstand the pressures of fame and time. In a media world that often thrives on competition and conflict, their bond stands out as an example of camaraderie and consistency.
Whether they’re laughing uncontrollably on live TV or sharing heartfelt parenting stories, they remind audiences that the best relationships — romantic or not — are built on respect and joy.
The Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen relationship continues to define friendship in the public eye — genuine, lasting, and rooted in mutual love and laughter. What moment from their friendship has been your favorite? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.