Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper play up Heated Rivalry during New Year’s Eve broadcast

Cohen joked that Cooper would be cast as Ilya, while he himself would take the role of Shane

During CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live special from Times Square, longtime co-hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper leaned into their signature on-air chemistry, playfully teasing each other about a “heated rivalry” as they welcomed the arrival of 2026.

Their banter, a highlight of the broadcast, brought humor and personality to a night usually dominated by glittering fireworks and formal reporting.

The duo’s back-and-forth revolved around the fictional hit series Heated Rivalry, with Cohen joking that Cooper would be cast as Ilya, while he himself would take the role of Shane, two friends turned rivals with unexpected tensions.

Andy Cohen + Anderson Cooper are already TIPSY

“This isn’t Heated Rivalry!”

Them bickering about why Anderson won’t sleep in Andy’s bed before devolving into who they would be in Heated Rivalry is the CNN I want on New Years 😅😅 #CNNNYE #NewYears2026 pic.twitter.com/zhfaDUyD4h

— Dustin Cone (@Dustin_Cone) January 1, 2026

Cooper, known for his witty deadpan humor, feigned confusion and incredulity at Cohen’s confident casting choices, prompting laughter both in the studio and among viewers at home.

“This is the kind of thing people tune in for,” Cohen later joked off-air, referencing the playful energy he and Cooper bring to the broadcast each year. Cooper responded in kind, saying that the “heated rivalry” between them isn’t just part of the show — it’s “very much a tradition at this point.”

The pair’s humorous chemistry has become a hallmark of CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage. Over the years, Cohen and Cooper have combined journalistic professionalism with lighthearted antics, creating a blend of entertainment and reporting that appeals to a broad audience. From running jokes to mock debates, viewers have come to expect a mix of laughter and spectacle as the Times Square ball drops.

The playful Heated Rivalry discussion was part of a broader festive atmosphere, which included live musical performances, celebrity guest appearances, and of course, the iconic countdown to midnight. Cohen and Cooper’s banter offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their rapport, showing that even in front of millions of viewers, they maintain a dynamic of teasing camaraderie.

According to insiders, the chemistry between Cohen and Cooper is no accident. Over the years, producers have encouraged the pair to riff naturally, allowing moments like the Heated Rivalry debate to develop organically on air. Fans have responded positively, sharing clips of their exchanges on social media and praising the duo for making CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage feel both personal and entertaining.

Beyond the jokes, the broadcast highlighted how live television thrives on spontaneity. While rehearsed segments set the structure of the night, it is Cohen and Cooper’s improvisation and playful competitiveness that give the show its energy. Their friendly rivalry, exaggerated for the audience, underscores a professional respect built over years of co-hosting.

By the time the midnight fireworks erupted over Times Square, the pair had already delivered a series of memorable moments, cementing their status as the faces of CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration.