Comedian Whitney Cummings didn't hold back during CNN's New Year's Eve special, taking a playful jab at the network's viewership numbers. Appearing alongside Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, Cummings quipped about performing for crowds of 3,000, "which is about the viewership of CNN these days." She quickly added, "Not this show, though. All eyes are on this show," softening the blow and drawing laughter from the hosts.
Cooper and Cohen seemed to take the joke in stride, with Cooper playfully agreeing about their shared experience with similar audience sizes during a joint tour. Cummings’ comment touched on CNN's recent ratings struggles, particularly following the 2024 presidential election. The network experienced significant declines in viewership across various time slots, falling behind competitors like Fox News and even the Food Network in primetime viewership during certain periods.
Beyond the ratings joke, Cummings also expressed her preference for entertainment that simply entertains, referencing her new hosting role for a "Friends" trivia show. She contrasted this with what she sees as a trend in Hollywood to incorporate political messaging and social commentary into entertainment, stating her appreciation for "warm, wholesome" content.
