Anderson Cooper 360° is a CNN news program that premiered on September 8, 2003. It originally aired as a one-hour program at 7 p.m. ET, with Anderson Cooper presenting in-depth coverage of selected national and international stories. Early episodes covered subjects ranging from the Iraq War and U.S. politics to major criminal cases and international affairs.
The program expanded significantly in November 2005 after Cooper’s reporting during Hurricane Katrina increased his profile and the show’s audience. CNN replaced NewsNight with an expanded two-hour Anderson Cooper 360°, giving the program a larger role in the network’s primetime schedule. It later moved into the 8 p.m. ET hour, where it became a regular part of CNN’s evening lineup.
Its coverage combines live breaking news with interviews, correspondent reports, political analysis, investigations, and special coverage from major events. Cooper has frequently anchored from the field during significant international and domestic stories, including conflicts and natural disasters. The program has also produced dedicated town halls and special editions addressing major national issues.
Cooper has been the show’s sole primary host since its launch. The program has occasionally used guest anchors when he is unavailable, while CNN correspondents and analysts contribute reports and interviews. In 2025, CNN’s weekday schedule placed Anderson Cooper 360° at 8 p.m. ET, followed by The Source with Kaitlan Collins at 9 p.m.
Anderson Cooper 360° remains part of CNN’s weekday evening lineup. In 2026, it received a News and Documentary Emmy nomination for Outstanding Live News Program, reflecting its vital and ongoing role in CNN’s live news coverage.
