Anderson Cooper Inks Blockbuster CNN Deal Amid CBS Courting Rumors

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Anderson Cooper just inked a blockbuster new contract with CNN, shutting down buzz that he might jump ship to CBS Evening News amid their anchor shakeup. Variety broke the story on December 8, revealing sources close to the deal confirmed Cooper recommitted to the network despite overtures from CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whos eyeing internal stars like Tony Dokoupil to reboot the struggling broadcast. The Independent echoed the scoop, noting Coopers decision bucks the industry trend of networks dumping high-paid vets like Hoda Kotb and Chris Wallace as audiences flee to streaming. This move locks in the silver fox anchor for Anderson Cooper 360, his Sunday newsmag The Whole Story, the grief-focused podcast All There Is, and of course that boozy New Years Eve bash from Times Square with bestie Andy Cohen.

CNNs promo hype hit peak camp on December 6 when they dropped an Instagram clip of Cohen chatting up Muppet puppets of himself and CooperCohen quipped theyre stand-ins for bathroom breaks, sparking Coopers signature giggle denial that had fans howling. TV Insider dished the details, highlighting how Cooper, fresh off switching to Creative Artists Agency, stays put even as CNNs primetime ratings saghell spearhead 2026 midterm coverage too. People and AOL hailed it as a major career pivot, cementing his face-of-the-network status with that reported 18 million salary.

On air, Cooper dove into fresh Jeffrey Epstein drama, reporting December 13 on CNN about newly released photos from the estate dropped by House Oversight Democrats, including Trump sightings that lit up social feeds. No public appearances or personal posts popped in the last few days, but the contract news dominates headlines, signaling Coopers betting long-term on CNNs digital push over CBS chaos. Insiders whisper Paramounts wild merger plays could still shuffle the deck, though thats pure speculation for now.

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