One Tequila, Two Tequila
How to Watch ‘New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen’ 2026 for Free
Here’s how you can stream the fan-favorite duo count down to the ball drop (maybe even with some booze) online for free
Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
Contact Alexis Mikulski Ruiz by Email
- From Defense to Detective: How to Watch Jalen Brunson Make His ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Debut Tonight
- Don’t Want to Give Fox News Your Money? Here’s How to Stream It for Free
- Here’s How to Watch NBC If You Don’t Have Cable
View all posts by Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
December 31, 2025
Add us as a Google Preferred Source
Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are once again returning to host CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, and we’ve got the details on how you can stream the celebration without cable and for free.
Airing on CNN beginning at 8 p.m. ET, the live event takes place in Times Square. Viewers can expect Cooper and Cohen to interview celebrity guests, cut away to musical performances from artists like Swedish pop star Robyn, and — if history is any indication — some boozing from the hosts.
At a Glance: How to Watch New Year‘s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen 2026
- Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling
- Channel: CNN
- Date, Time: Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. EST
The celebration dates back to 2017, when the journalist and TV personality — who also happen to be best friends — first teamed up to host the now-iconic broadcast. In 2023, CNN “banned” alcohol during the event, forcing the duo to take pickle juice shots instead.
After fan backlash, however, the tequila tradition is officially once more, along with Cohen’s signature playful jabs, including quips like, “Yes, the Vanderbilt boy suffers just like you,” in reference to Cooper’s famous family.
How to Watch New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen Online 2026
If you don’t want to miss a moment of the chaos — plus musical performances from Shakira, Patti LaBelle, and Brandi Carlile — here’s how you can watch online for free and start the New Year off on the right note.
editor’s pick
DirecTV
➤ $39.99/month
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
DirecTV is a top choice for live TV streaming, with its competitive channel lineup. CNN is included with its basic plans — including the MyNews package, featuring 10+ news channels — all starting at just $39.99 per month. New subscribers get a five-day free trial.
Hulu + Live TV
➤ $89.99/month
➤ Three-day free trial
➤ 95+ channels
You can also stream CNN without a traditional cable subscription with Hulu + Live TV. We love Hulu + Live TV because you get a three-day free trial, after which it’s $89.99-per-month. With this, you get access to 95+ live channels, the full Hulu on-demand library, plus ESPN+ and Disney+.
Sling
$45.99
➤ $45.99/month
➤ Short-term passes available
➤ Up to 46 channels
Sling is the affordable option for live TV streaming, with CNN available in its Sling Blue package. Plans start at $45.99 a month. Watch the ball drop on CNN or switch to view other major news outlets’ New Year’s Eve coverage, like NBC and MSNBC.
How to Stream New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen for Free
Want to watch Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve special for free? Sign up for a free trial of DirecTV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV and stream the celebration without paying.
What Time Does CNN’s Special Start?
The event starts at 8 p.m. ET on CNN.
Pantalones Anejo Tequila
Drink Alongside Anderson & Andy
$49.99
Cooper and Cohen’s drink of choice is allegedly tequila. If you want to join in on the fun and match them shot for shot, grab our editor’s favorite Pantaleon’s Añejo Tequila at Reserve Bar in time for your countdown.
In this article:
More News
-
The Internet's Favorite Preppy Brands Are Back for a New Parke & Stoney Clover Lane Drop
- A Perfect Match
-
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids, Because Another Boring Toy Won't Cut It
- Certified Kid Bangers
-
Ashlee Simpson Is Back in the Studio, Says Recent Fan Support Has Been Like a 'Big Warm Hug'
- Exclusive
-
By
-
The Best Cell Phone Plans for International Travel
-
Get Better WiFi for Less With T-Mobile’s Limited-Time 5G Home Internet Deals
Top stories newsletter
A Cultural Force That Transcends Generations
Enter your Email
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.