Andy Cohen & Anderson Cooper: Inside the Decades-Long Friendship of TV’s Favorite Duo

In the often-fleeting world of celebrity friendships, the bond between Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper stands as a rare and enduring institution. More than just co-hosts or colleagues, they are lifelong best friends whose genuine affection and hilarious rapport have captivated audiences for over two decades. From a disastrous blind date to becoming New Year’s Eve legends and doting dads, their journey is a masterclass in modern friendship. As of December 2025, their relationship is still going stronger than ever, proving that sometimes the best partnerships aren’t romantic—they’re built on trust, tequila, and a shared love of dishing the dirt.

From Awkward Setup to Unbreakable Bond

Contrary to popular belief and endless fan speculation, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are not dating and never have been. Their story began in the early 2000s when a mutual friend attempted to set them up on a blind date. By all accounts, it was a disaster. The chemistry wasn’t romantic, but something far more valuable sparked: an instant, platonic connection. They found in each other a kindred spirit—both openly gay men navigating high-profile careers in media, with a shared sense of humor and a deep understanding of each other’s worlds.

The Foundation of a Modern Bromance

Cohen, the effervescent Bravo executive and host of Watch What Happens Live, and Cooper, the esteemed CNN anchor known for his serious journalism, form a classic odd-couple pairing. This contrast is the secret sauce of their appeal. Cooper provides the grounded, sometimes wryly mortified straight man to Cohen’s uninhibited, boundary-pushing chaos. Their friendship thrives on this balance, allowing them to be their authentic selves, whether discussing politics or the latest Real Housewives scandal.

Career Collisions & Iconic Partnerships

Their professional lives have become deliciously intertwined, creating some of television’s most memorable moments. The most prominent collaboration is their annual hosting duty for CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast from Times Square. What began as a professional gig has evolved into a beloved tradition where their unfiltered dynamic shines.

New Year’s Eve: A Case Study in Chaos & Control

The New Year’s Eve show is a perfect microcosm of their friendship. As the night progresses and the champagne flows, Cohen has openly admitted he has to “take control” when he hears Cooper begin to slur his words. Cooper, in turn, jokes that he looks online during the final 30 minutes of the broadcast to see how Cohen “screwed us over.” This good-natured ribbing and clear division of labor—Cohen handling the revelry, Cooper anchoring the news—is why viewers tune in. It’s authentic, unpredictable, and incredibly entertaining.

Fatherhood & Personal Milestones

Their friendship has deepened through major life events, most notably becoming fathers. Anderson Cooper welcomed his son, Wyatt, via surrogate in April 2020, with Andy Cohen being one of the first to publicly celebrate him. Cohen, who is father to son Benjamin and daughter Lucy, has shared this journey with Cooper. They’ve even podcasted together about their experiences as “Disney dads,” discussing their spring break trip to Disney World on the episode “Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper: Daddies Do Disney.” This shared chapter of parenthood has added a new, heartfelt layer to their decades-long bond.

By the Numbers: Their Collaborative Impact

While their friendship is personal, its professional power is measurable. Their combined appeal draws significant audiences, whether on cable news, podcasts, or late-night TV. For instance, when Cohen appeared on Cooper’s CNN interview series, it contributed to strong ratings, demonstrating their draw as a duo.

Their dynamic works because it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect and history. They’ve seen each other through career highs and personal milestones, offering support both on and off camera. In a December 2025 update, Cohen gave another look inside their relationship, confirming it remains as strong as ever. They represent a model of friendship that is both aspirational and relatable—proving that your best friend can also be the person you most enjoy watching mildly unravel on live television.

Common Questions

Are Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper dating?

No, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are not dating and never have been. They are lifelong best friends. Their relationship is purely platonic, a fact they have both clarified numerous times over the years despite persistent fan speculation.

How did Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper meet?

They met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend in the early 2000s. While the date itself was reportedly a romantic disaster, it sparked an immediate and enduring platonic friendship that has lasted for decades.

What do Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper host together?

Their most famous joint hosting duty is CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast from Times Square. They have also appeared together extensively on Cohen’s Bravo talk show, Watch What Happens Live, and on various podcast episodes.

How has fatherhood affected their friendship?

Fatherhood has brought them even closer. Both are single dads—Cooper has a son, Wyatt, and Cohen has a son, Benjamin, and a daughter, Lucy. They frequently share and support each other through the experiences of parenthood, even podcasting about a joint trip to Disney World with their kids.