This is Winning Exchangewhat happens when Anderson Cooper gets hit in the head by debris during a live coverage of Hurricane Milton.

Fans rallied behind the CNN anchor Oct. 9 after he was struck by a flying object while reporting on-location amidst the storm in Brandenton, Fla. Many on social media called for the network to make it up to Anderson by inviting him back to host its boozy New Year's Eve special, including his past cohost and longtime friend Andy Cohen.

"We need @AndersonCooper and @BravoAndy to host NYE. Please get this national treasure under cover," one fan wrote on Instagram Story, which Andy reposted on his account and added, "Agree."

The Watch What Happens Live host also reshared a post from X (formerly known as Twitter) reading: "CNN had better let Anderson Cooper black out on New Year’s Eve for this."

Indeed, CNN's annual NYE special has often served as an opportunity for Anderson to let loose—courtesy of some libations—from covering serious news. Though the network previously announced plans to restrict alcohol consumption on the show, the prohibition was brief—with Anderson and Andy returning last December to ring 2024 with full glasses.

 

In fact, Anderson stole hearts when he burst into a fit of tipsy giggles during a drinking game with Andy and Neil Patrick Harris.

"I need Anderson's giggle on my daily playlist," one viewer wrote on Instagram at the time, while another quipped, "Thank you for letting them drink. I watched this 6 times."

But regardless who will be announced to host CNN's NYE special this year, Anderson and Andy's friendship will forge on stronger than a double whiskey. 

"We've been able to develop our friendship as a public duo," Andy—who is dad to son Benjamin, 5, and daughter Lucy, 2—told the Table for Two podcast in 2022, "which has been fun for me and for him."

Jokingly describing them both as "geriatric parents," the Bravo personality is also grateful that Anderson's kids Wyatt, 4, and Sebastian, 2, are BFFs with his little ones as well.

As Andy put it, "I'm so glad that Ben will grow up with Wyatt, and will grow up to see Anderson raising Wyatt and Sebastian."

 

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