CNN Heroes

CNN Heroes (2007- )

RunningReality show

CNN Heroes is an annual special where CNN salutes people in our world who have made an enormous positive impact in the past year.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 20:00 (120 min)

Last Episode

18th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute
Year 2024Episode 1120 min

18th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

Ron Davis Alvarez, Dream Orchestra – Gothenburg, Sweden After moving from his native Venezuela to Sweden in 2016, violinist and conductor Ron Davis Alvarez wanted to help the refugees who'd recently arrived there. Today, his Dream Orchestra gives hundreds of refugees, immigrants, and native Swedes the chance to learn an instrument, connect with others, and better their lives.

Stephen Knight, Dogs Matter – Dallas, Texas Stephen Knight's organization provides foster care for pets whose owners are seeking substance abuse treatment, covering animal expenses for the foster family and providing post-release services to help human participants succeed with their sobriety.

Payton McGriff, SHE (Style Her Empowered) – Moscow, Idaho & Nôtse, TogoIn Togo, where the cost of mandatory uniforms can keep girls out of school, Payto McGriff helped create a ‘uniform that grows' which has become a cornerstone of a movement that educates, employs, and empowers hundreds of girls and women. 

Rachel Rutter, Project Libertad – Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Immigration attorney Rachel Rutter and her nonprofit provide legal, social, and emotional support to help immigrant children heal from trauma and build new lives in the US.

Yamilée Toussaint, STEM From Dance – Brooklyn, New York Yamilée Toussaint was one of the only Black women in her engineering program at MIT. Now, she and her nonprofit are using dance to get girls of color excited about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Dec 8, 2024

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2024-12-0818th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star TributeDec 8, 2024
2016-12-1110th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star TributeDec 11, 2016
2015-12-069th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star TributeDec 6, 2015
2007-12-061st Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star TributeDec 6, 2007
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'CNN Heroes' first premiere?

'CNN Heroes' first premiered on June 24, 2007.

Who is the host of 'CNN Heroes'?

The show does not have a regular host, but Anderson Cooper has appeared in some episodes.

What is the format of 'CNN Heroes'?

'CNN Heroes' is an annual television special that honors everyday people from around the world who have made a significant difference in their community.

How are the honorees selected for 'CNN Heroes'?

The public nominates individuals and a blue-ribbon panel of judges select the honorees.

How many 'CNN Heroes' are honored each year?

Ten individuals are honored each year.

Who was the first 'CNN Hero of the Year'?

Efren Pe\u00f1aflorida, a teacher who created a "pushcart classroom" to bring education to Filipino street children, was the first 'CNN Hero of the Year'.

How many years did 'CNN Heroes' air for?

The show is still ongoing, but no specific number of years has been designated for it.

In which month of the year are the 'CNN Heroes' honored?

The 'CNN Heroes' are honored in December of each year.

Who chooses the 'CNN Hero of the Year'?

The selection of the 'CNN Hero of the Year' is done through online voting by the public.

What is the prize for the 'CNN Hero of the Year'?

The 'CNN Hero of the Year' receives a $250,000 grant to further their work.

Who curated the list of judges for 'CNN Heroes'?

The panel of judges for 'CNN Heroes' includes activists, philanthropists, and entertainers. Such as Ted Turner, Maria Shriver, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Which countries' heroes have been featured on 'CNN Heroes'?

'CNN Heroes' has featured individuals from various countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Nepal, and Iraq.

Cast

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper

plays himself
Laura Coates

Laura Coates

plays herself
View all cast

Characters

Host

Host

played by Anderson Cooper
Host

Host

played by Laura Coates
View all characters

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