Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Will Kick off CNN's July 4 Coverage With New Year's Eve-Style Special
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are bringing their New Year's Eve-style celebrations to the Fourth of July.
The dynamic duo, who bring laughs and chaos to CNN for their annual New Year's Eve coverage in New York City's Times Square, are taking on the network's Fourth of July coverage with an exciting celebration on July 3. "Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy: Celebrating 250" will feature the two celebrating coverage of New York's midnight ball drop, honoring the nation's semiquincentennial, CNN said in a release.
Cooper and Cohen will interact with "celebrated American icons, cultural legends, and inspiring everyday heroes," Variety reported.
When Does "Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy: Celebrating 250" air?
The special airs on CNN on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET.
What Else is CNN Airing for the Fourth of July?
CNN will have station correspondents and reports throughout the country to report on the celebrations for the country's 250th birthday. On July 4, 2026, CNN will feature "The Fourth in America: Celebrating 250," which will feature the festivities on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as well as the Great American State Fair. Brianna Keilar and Laura Coates will anchor from Washington, D.C.
Cooper will be back on air on July 4, broadcasting with Pamela Brown from Boston at 6 p.m. at the beloved Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. This year's special performers include Lainey Wilson, Chance the Rapper, and Trombone Shorty at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, in addition to the annual celebration featuring Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. Don't miss the legendary fireworks display!
CNN added that Sara Sidner and Victor Blackwell will anchor from the top of the Empire State Building, where they'll catch New York's fireworks show. Elex Michaelson and Cari Champion will be on the West Coast, anchoring the network's coverage from San Diego starting at 11 p.m. The network will also feature fireworks displays from around the country, including cities like Philadelphia, Nashville, Houston, St. Louis, and Kauai, Hawaii.
If you'd like to have a laugh recalling what ensues when Cooper and Cohen get together for their annual New Year's celebration, check out this video of this year's festivities as the duo battle the snow and wind to play with puppets of each other.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 2:39 PM.