Are you ever surprised at how far-reaching your shows are globally?
We were on the plane [to Australia] trying to determine if I had any level of exposure here. So it’s a great surprise – it’s really nice. And I mean, on the other hand, I’m not surprised because I think Housewives viewers have great taste and they know a good thing when they see it. And it certainly translates to a global audience.
Why do you think your shows have become such a phenomenon?
Because they’re entertaining, they’re funny, they are relatable, they’re aspirational, they’re shocking and they’re addictive.
What’s been your favourite one to work on? Are you allowed to have a favourite?
I shouldn’t have a favourite … but I have to say Watch What Happens Live, that’s probably my favourite just because it’s been 15 years. It’s my true baby. And, you know, our staff has pretty much remained entirely the same for 15 years. So we’ve all grown up together and we’ve been through a lot.
You get incredible access to celebrities and they often really open up to you. Why do you think that they like talking to you?
I think that they know that I’m not out to get them, but I’m out to get kind of the story or the dish. And I also think that people realise if you come on my show, you’re gonna get … a different interview than you’ve gotten anywhere else. And also, if you know people are out promoting whatever they’re promoting, every time you come on my show it’s like a bomb goes off basically where it creates more press. So I think it suits people well when they’re on promo tours.
How do you walk the line between holding people to account and answering viewer questions, but without bringing negativity into it as well?
I mean, I think that I have a good sense of how to do that. And I’ve honed it over the years. I also know that when people show up on my show, especially any kind of housewives or reality stars, they’re going to be held accountable for whatever they have done that week on their own show.
What’s been the most outrageous, memorable moments on Watch What Happens Live that you can remember?
Oh, wow. It’s hard to know because it’s been 15 years. I think we’ve had some pretty incredible interviews with Mariah Carey over the years. She’s very shady and outspoken and funny. They’re definitely water-cooler moments.
How’s fatherhood going?
It’s great. It is challenging. It keeps me on my toes. It’s something totally new. It’s caused me to grow up a lot in the past four years and it has also really grounded me. I have a new book coming out called The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up and it’s all about a year in the life of being a single dad.
Are you running out of housewives yet?
Never! You know, we have our first housewife born in the ’90s on New Jersey right now. So there’s a whole new generation coming in. It’s really exciting!
Would you ever consider letting cameras follow you around?
No, my book is as close as I’ll get to being on a reality show – that way I control the edit.
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen only on Hayu.
Stream it now, live & on demand with a 7 day FREE trial. START FREE TRIAL