Meghan Markle’s homemade jam found its place in a 2025 pop culture farewell segment on a popular US television show, joining the ranks of Labubu dolls, the viral 6-7 meme, and Katy Perry’s much-discussed space adventure. The mention by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen during their iconic ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ broadcast from Times Square sparked debate among viewers, with opinions divided on whether it was a compliment or a subtle jab. This year marked the ninth consecutive time Cooper, 58, and Cohen, 57, hosted the event, entertaining audiences with their trademark humor and a few celebratory drinks as they welcomed 2026 in New York City. A highlight of the show was their playful rendition of Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved children’s book, “Goodnight Moon,” just before the clock struck midnight.

Every year, their version of the story brims with contemporary cultural references, eliciting laughter from both the hosts and their audience. As they bid adieu to 2025, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was among those mentioned early on. “Goodnight Labubu, clipped to a Birkin, goodnight Kim Kardashian’s shapewear, complete with a merkin,” Cooper humorously announced, stumbling over the pronunciation of Labubu. Andy Cohen followed up with, “Goodnight Coldplay kisscam. Goodnight Meghan Markle jam,” taking a sip of tequila for added comedic effect.

The duo also said farewell to KPop Demon Hunters, Coldplay’s kisscam, Katy Perry’s extraterrestrial journey, Nicole Kidman’s post-breakup hairstyle, and the ‘brotherly love’ theme from White Lotus. Additionally, they extended well-wishes to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their forthcoming nuptials and applauded Destiny’s Child’s reunion at a summer Beyoncé concert. The annual “Goodnight Moon” parody, a staple of the show, has sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Meghan’s fans, known as the Sussex Squad, interpreted the nod to her As Ever jam as a testament to her prominence in American pop culture.

One fan tweeted: ‘The relevance that is Meghan Sussex – she matters. #WeLoveYouMeghan’. Another wrote: ‘Starting the new year with love and appreciation. May she feel that love all year round’. But others were less impressed. A critic of Meghan said: ‘It really is fascinating to watch her fans twist anything around to give the appearance of success’. Another said: ‘No more free jam for Anderson Cooper’ – a nod to the fact that he interviewed Harry after he released Spare. A third wrote: ‘This was not flattering at all’.

In the same show Andy Cohen unleashed a wild rant about outgoing New York CityMayor Eric Adamsthat left Anderson Cooper visibly cringing live on CNN. Cohen and Cooper were putting away drinks for hours and bantering live during the network’s coverage of the celebrations in New York City. Soon after the ball dropped in Times Square, Cohen, with a drink in his hand, said: ‘Watching the final moments of Mayor Adams’s chaotic…’ Before he could finish his thought, Cooper interrupted and said: ‘Oh no. I’m out.’

Cohen continued, ‘I just want to say…’ before Cooper interrupted him again. ‘Don’t,’ he said while attempting to walk out of frame. But the camera panned out to keep the co-host in frame. ‘He got his pardons,’ Cohen continued with a slight slur, before Cooper said ‘I’m out’ once again. ‘I’m just saying, great, you got your pardons. Go off into the sunset,’ Cohen said. ‘We’ll fiddle with what we have, with what you’ve left us with.’ ‘He can’t help himself,’ Cooper then said.