During their lively New Year's Eve broadcast, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper delved into a lighthearted discussion surrounding the hit Canadian LGBTQ+ hockey drama, 'Heated Rivalry'. The show, which unexpectedly gained significant traction towards the end of 2025, became a focal point of their on-air banter. Their playful exchange about the series, including a humorous debate over character roles and its appeal to diverse audiences, underscored the camaraderie and unique dynamic that viewers have come to appreciate from the long-standing friends and co-hosts.
The hosts' engagement with the popular series not only added an entertaining layer to their celebratory broadcast but also highlighted the show's cultural impact. Cohen's curiosity about the series' reach, particularly among the lesbian community, during an interview with Grammy winner Brandi Carlile, further emphasized the unexpected and widespread interest in 'Heated Rivalry', solidifying its status as a notable breakout hit in the entertainment landscape.
The "Heated Rivalry" Phenomenon on New Year's Eve
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper injected a dose of pop culture humor into their annual New Year's Eve Live broadcast on CNN, focusing on the surprise hit Canadian gay hockey series, "Heated Rivalry." The duo, known for their playful banter, found themselves discussing the show's premise and characters, even debating which roles they would embody. This unexpected segment brought a contemporary television phenomenon into the festive atmosphere, demonstrating the widespread impact of the series beyond its initial target audience. Their lighthearted conversation about the show's plot and character dynamics served as a humorous interlude, reinforcing their unique on-screen chemistry and ability to connect with viewers through current cultural trends. The discussion, sparked by Cooper's casual remark and Cohen's enthusiastic embrace of the topic, became a memorable highlight of the broadcast.
The discussion surrounding "Heated Rivalry" commenced when Anderson Cooper made a quip about their own ongoing, friendly disagreements, stating, "This isn’t Heated Rivalry." This immediately prompted Andy Cohen to enthusiastically pivot the conversation towards the series, which centers on two rival hockey players, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, who develop an unexpected romantic relationship that complicates their careers and challenges societal expectations within the sport. Cohen, confident in his assessment, quickly assigned character roles to himself and Cooper, declaring, "Of the two of us, you’re Ilya and I’m Shane," much to Cooper's amusement and slight confusion. Later in the evening, Cohen continued to champion the series, even posing a direct question to Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile about its resonance within the lesbian community, to which Carlile responded with playful hyperbole about her obsession, causing Cooper to erupt in a prolonged fit of laughter. These interactions underscored the series' unexpected popularity and the hosts' willingness to engage with culturally relevant topics in a humorous and engaging manner during their New Year's Eve special.
Cohen and Cooper's Humorous Character Debate
During their lively New Year's Eve celebration, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper engaged in a humorous debate about which characters from the popular Canadian gay hockey series, "Heated Rivalry," they would portray. This playful exchange, initiated by Cooper's comment about their own bickering, quickly turned into a lighthearted self-assessment of their personalities in relation to the show's protagonists, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. Cohen confidently declared his chosen role, while Cooper reacted with amusement and feigned bewilderment, adding to the comedic charm of their interaction. The discussion showcased their easy rapport and ability to find humor in shared cultural references, further endearing them to their audience during the annual broadcast.
The character debate began when Cooper, in response to their ongoing friendly squabbles, humorously remarked, "This isn't Heated Rivalry." This statement immediately sparked Cohen's interest, leading him to ask which of them would be the show's main characters, Ilya and Shane. Without hesitation, Cohen confidently asserted, "Of the two of us, you're Ilya and I'm Shane." Cooper's reaction, a mix of laughter and a surprised "What?", highlighted the comedic aspect of Cohen's quick decision and the differing perceptions of their roles. This segment not only provided entertainment but also cleverly tied into the themes of rivalry and unexpected connections presented in the series. The hosts' ability to playfully assign roles from a trending show underscored their contemporary appeal and their knack for engaging with popular culture in a personal and humorous way, making it a memorable moment for viewers ushering in the new year.