On CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live 2025 special, comedian Whitney Cummings took the opportunity to deliver multiple jabs at her hosts, the network, and various political figures.
Cummings, known for her sharp humor, joined Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper in Times Square for the network’s year-end broadcast.
During her appearance, she made a pointed remark about CNN’s diminishing viewership, comparing her increasing popularity to the network’s struggling ratings.
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Cummings, who became a mother in December 2023, was discussing her growing success as a comedian. “I thought being a mom would mean less people want to come see me. Now I’m playing like 3,000-seat theaters, which is about the viewership of CNN these days,” she joked, before adding, “Not this show, though! All eyes are on this show.”
The comedian, however, didn’t stop there.
She also turned her humor toward the political scene, particularly criticizing the Democrats and their handling of the 2024 election.
“The 2024 election fried our brains. The Democrats couldn’t hold a primary because they were too busy holding a body upright,” Cummings quipped.
She continued by mocking Kamala Harris, saying, “It was amazing. The pro-choice party didn’t give their voters one when it came to the presidential candidate. Kamala [Harris] was forced on us so hard, you’d think she was patented by Pfizer—or Moderna…”
Cohen’s cautious look at Cummings was met with laughter from the crowd as she continued her routine, bringing up additional light-hearted criticisms, including jabs at Jennifer Lopez and various figures in the entertainment industry.
Whitney Cummings just ROASTED CNN on national television
“I’m now playing 3000 person shows, which is about the viewership of CNN these days” ☠️ pic.twitter.com/VcOfte6iqC
— James Jinnette (@james_jinnette1) January 1, 2025
Meanwhile, CNN’s own Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen stirred up controversy of their own during the broadcast.
In a bid to entertain viewers, the duo took shots of tequila live on air, continuing a tradition that has raised eyebrows in the past.
As Cohen enthusiastically promoted the night’s festivities, he revealed that he had brought the tequila for the show, adding, “We are going to do this at the top of every hour. And we want you to join us.”
Cooper, a veteran host, struggled with his shot and had a bit of a mishap, adding to the chaotic nature of the broadcast.
wtf is this? pic.twitter.com/yVdbjGjSxU
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 1, 2025
The evening also saw comedian Roy Wood Jr. making a subtle but pointed reference to former CNN host Don Lemon, who was fired in 2023.
While Cohen offered Wood a shot of tequila, the comedian declined, noting with a smirk, “The last Black man to drink on this network got fired.”
Roy Wood Jr joked about Don Lemon while turning down a shot of Tequila on New Year’s Eve #CNNNYE
“The last black man that drank on this network got fired”
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) January 1, 2025
Wood’s comment, though lighthearted, alluded to the controversial moments that led to Lemon’s exit from CNN.
The quip also echoed previous remarks Wood made at the 2023 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he had humorously referenced Lemon’s departure, joking that he was fired for not being able to “accurately report a story.”
Lemon, known for his rowdy behavior on CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcasts, had previously caused a stir in 2016 when he got his ear pierced live on air.
He also made headlines in 2021 when he declared himself a “grown-a– man” while defending his opinions on television.
After his firing, Lemon expressed shock at the manner in which CNN handled his termination, revealing that he learned of his dismissal through his agent rather than the network itself.
Despite his publicized ouster, Lemon has continued to stir controversy, especially with his remarks on social media.
In a recent rant, Lemon lashed out at the MAGA community, using expletives and insults to express his disdain over the H1-B visa debate, further solidifying his reputation for outspoken behavior.
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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who has recently taken to social media to air his grievances, went on an extended rant about the supposed MAGA “cult” in a video that has since gone viral.
The meltdown… pic.twitter.com/Mi15g4eBKj
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) December 30, 2024
The New Year’s Eve broadcast, complete with its mix of alcohol, humor, and political commentary, highlighted CNN’s ongoing struggle to maintain relevance amidst declining ratings and internal turmoil.
The network’s shift in tone, from hosting a festive celebration to airing controversial moments, continues to raise questions about its future direction.
As Cummings, Wood, and the hosts took their shots, both literally and figuratively, the night exemplified the chaotic and unpredictable nature of CNN’s recent broadcasts.
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