CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast is known for its offbeat, chaotic energy, and the 2024-2025 edition didn’t disappoint. The night featured everything from Ralph Fiennes reenacting the viral “demure” meme to DJ Diplo casually admitting he was high on air. But nothing quite prepared viewers—or hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen—for comedian Whitney Cummings’ incendiary “roast of the year.”
“I think after what I’m about to do, I’ll probably end up in a huddle with lawyers,” Cummings quipped, setting the tone for a monologue that blended sharp humor with eyebrow-raising conspiracy theories.
Cummings kicked off with jabs at the Menendez brothers, the WNBA, Hunter Biden, and her viral take that crypto is “astrology for men.” While these drew chuckles, the energy shifted when she poked fun at CNN’s declining viewership—a topic that left Cooper visibly uncomfortable.
One particularly biting moment came when Cummings joked, “It’s amazing that the Pro-Choice Party didn’t give their voters one…primary,” leaving Cooper momentarily speechless. The comedian then turned her sights on Vice President Kamala Harris, quipping, “Kamala was forced on us so hard, you’d think she was patented by Pfizer,” earning nervous laughter and a “scary look” from Cohen (which he later denied).
The roast took a turn for the bizarre as Cummings unleashed a rapid-fire list of conspiracies, from drones that defy Boeing’s involvement to Disney’s questionable funding, and even a shout-out to the Boy Scouts. “I can’t believe you’re still letting me talk,” she remarked, closing her set with a mix of exhilaration and nerves.
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Despite her fears that CNN might cut her off mid-set, the broadcast continued uninterrupted. However, her roast didn’t make the network’s official highlight reel—a decision that speaks volumes.
Reflecting on the moment, Cooper admitted, “I only understood like half the references.” Meanwhile, Cummings took to social media, revealing she had to speed through her final lines due to time constraints—and maybe a bit of fear.
Love her or hate her, Cummings’ performance made sure CNN’s New Year’s Eve stayed true to its reputation: campy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable.