Don Lemon Plotting to Cohost New Year’s Eve Show With Kathy Griffin: ‘Sticking It to CNN’

Don Lemon’s New Year’s resolution is to torpedo CNN!

“Don’s team is in active, serious discussions about inviting Kathy Griffin to join him from New Orleans” for his streaming countdown special, Rob Shuter reported in his Naughty But Nice Substack on Friday, December 5.

The former CNN anchor, 59, was well known for his boozy New Year’s broadcasts from the Big Easy before he was laid off in 2023. Meanwhile, the comedian, 65, famously cohosted in New York City with former friend Anderson Cooper from 2007 to 2016, before being replaced by Andy Cohen following her controversial Donald Trump photo shoot in 2017.

“Don wants Kathy because she’s explosive, iconic, unpredictable — and bringing her back sends a message. A very pointed message,” one insider told Shuter, while another added, “That’s Don reclaiming the night.”

The My Life on the D-List alum will agree “if it feels right,” a source close to Griffin told Shuter. “and sticking it to CNN would feel VERY right after they fired her.”

“This is revenge theater,” a third insider added. “If Kathy signs on, CNN will need oxygen masks.”

And bosses at the network — where Cooper and Cohen will host the ball drop from Times Square as usual — are bracing for battle. Sources revealed to Shuter that the people behind CNN’s show are “aware,” “concerned” and “very much hoping this doesn’t happen.”