CNN is gearing up for another exhilarating New Year’s Eve celebration as it welcomes 2026 with the dynamic duo of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. The Emmy Award-winning hosts will return to Times Square for their ninth consecutive year, promising an evening brimming with entertainment, live performances, and a festive countdown to the New Year.
This year’s event will mark a significant milestone as CNN’s New Year’s Eve programming will be streamed exclusively on their new subscription streaming platform, allowing viewers to engage with the celebration through various digital channels. Subscribers can access this special programming via CNN.com/AllAccess and the CNN mobile app.
Beginning early in the day, CNN’s coverage will start at 7:00 AM ET, showcasing live reports and celebrations from cities around the globe, including special coverage from Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, London, and Paris. Anchors such as John Berman, Becky Anderson, and others will report from different locales, highlighting the diverse ways in which the world welcomes the New Year. Musical performances throughout the day will feature artists like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Flo Rida, and Burna Boy, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
At 8:00 PM ET, the live countdown will officially commence, showcasing a spectacular lineup of performances and surprise guests, including Stephen Colbert, Shakira, and Brandy and Monica. As the night unfolds, CNN’s Richard Quest will be live from Times Square among throngs of revelers, while correspondents across the nation cover various celebrations, bringing the festivities to life.
The celebrations will continue until the early hours of January 1, with CNN reporters counting down to the New Year from various key locations, including Austin, Texas, where acts like Vince Gill will perform.
CNN’s commitment to providing a comprehensive view of New Year’s Eve is evident as it mobilizes a network of anchors and reporters stationed in more than a dozen cities worldwide, ensuring no corner of the celebration is left uncovered. Sponsorship from well-known brands like Ancestry and T-Mobile for Business reflects the event’s high profile and expected reach.
With its robust coverage and innovative streaming options, CNN is poised to offer audiences a vibrant, multicultural experience as they bid farewell to 2025 and welcome a new year filled with hope and possibilities. The event is set to be a memorable highlight, showcasing the resilience and joy of communities worldwide as they celebrate together, despite any challenges faced in the previous year.