Former CNN anchor Don Lemon made a dramatic return to the New Year's Eve spotlight, directly challenging his old employer with a live-streamed broadcast that revived his infamous 'Drunk Don' persona. The six-hour special, filmed in New Orleans, served as a pointed alternative to CNN's established show hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
A Festive Rivalry Takes Shape
The broadcast, streamed live on YouTube on Thursday night, bore a striking resemblance to the glossy CNN event but operated on a distinctly different tone. Lemon, 59, who was pushed out of CNN in April 2023, donned a sequined suit and Mardi Gras beads for the occasion. His guest list featured fellow ousted CNN veteran Jim Acosta, who joined remotely from Hawaii.
Acosta, who left CNN in January after refusing a demotion, told Lemon he was vacationing to get 'as far away' from Donald Trump while still in the US. The pair, who worked together for 15 years, shared drinks during the alcohol-fuelled celebration, a marked contrast to CNN's 2022 ban on on-air drinking for most staff, which was reportedly prompted by concerns over Lemon's past behaviour.
The Legacy of 'Drunk Don' and a Controversial Exit
The special openly embraced the 'Drunk Don Lemon' nickname that emerged from his previous, more erratic CNN appearances. Lemon acknowledged the persona's return in a social media post during the broadcast, writing 'Drunk Don Lemon ACTIVATED'. His husband, Tim Malone, later emailed press to declare the show a 'total success' and a 'sort of a breaking free'.
Lemon's departure from CNN followed his controversial on-air remarks in February 2023, where he claimed women over 40 were past their prime, specifically referencing Republican candidate Nikki Haley. A heated exchange with co-anchors ensued, and CEO Chris Licht announced his exit two months later. Lemon claimed he was fired, a statement CNN refuted as 'inaccurate'.
The New Year's Eve special doubled as a fundraiser for the Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans, honouring Lemon's late sister. Other guests included MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle, Joy Reid, and Alec Baldwin. As of writing, the livestream had amassed over 320,000 views.
Looking Beyond the 'Three Letters'
In an interview before the special, Lemon appeared to take a shot at CNN's brand-centric approach. 'In this day and age, it's not about the three letters or the brand or whatever. It's about the person delivering it,' he told WWL-TV, promoting the rise of independent streaming media.
The event marked Lemon's defiant reclamation of a format from which he was once a staple, positioning his personal brand directly against the network that let him go. Ratings for CNN's rival broadcast with Cooper and Cohen are yet to be released.
