CNN could reportedly be ending a New Year’s Eve tradition involving alcohol and the network’s hosts.
Variety reported a town hall between CNN staffers and Chris Licht, the company’s chairman and CEO, held Tuesday brought up the issue of on-camera drinking during the network’s New Year’s Eve coverage.
Licht reportedly told employees he believed the behavior hurt the credibility of CNN personnel and damaged the “respectability” that may be enjoyed among viewers.
However, it appears Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will still be able to participate in the activity, as Variety explained.
On New Year’s Eve 2021, footage of Cooper’s reaction after taking a shot with Cohen on-air made the rounds on social media.
Every frame of @andersoncooper on @CNN NYE is a meme. pic.twitter.com/ibq1Vbwcdn
— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) January 1, 2022
Another notable moment took place as it appeared Cohen had a bit too much to drink and went on a rant about former New York mayor Bill de Blasio.
“The only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on is what a horrible mayor he has been. So sayonara sucker! 2022! It’s a new year. ‘Cause guess what? I have a feeling I’m going to be standing right here next year, and you know who I’m not going to be looking at, dancing as the city comes apart? You!” Cohen said.
Cooper seemingly tried to stop Cohen from ranting.
Bravo’s Andy Cohen, Andy Cohen!, absolutely obliterating New York City mayor Bill deBlasio as his term ends is a fun watch. Enjoy: pic.twitter.com/T6twntLJI3
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 1, 2022
The next day, Cohen took to Twitter to recognize he may have drank too much.
“Good morning! Um, I was a bit overserved last night….” Cohen tweeted.
? good morning! ?. Um, I was a bit overserved last night…. ?
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) January 1, 2022
Variety pointed out if If Cooper and Cohen get tipsy, Don Lemon will tend to “lean in decisively.”