As final touches go on the New Year’s Eve dinner, the living room turns into a front-row seat for the world’s biggest celebration. Whether you want the electric energy of Times Square, the relaxed country sound of Nashville, or a reflective look back at the year, the TV schedule for December 31, 2025, offers something for every mood as 2026 arrives.
From long-running broadcast traditions to streaming-first events, these are the must-watch New Year’s Eve specials and how to catch them live.
The countdown giants
For many viewers, New Year’s Eve does not begin until the ball drops or the first live performance airs. This year, major networks are expanding their coverage and star power.
1. Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (ABC)
Now in its 54th year, this iconic broadcast delivers its longest telecast yet, adding 90 extra minutes of live programming.
Hosts: Ryan Seacrest leads from New York, joined by Rita Ora, with regional hosts across Chicago and Las Vegas.
Performers: Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, and more.
How to watch: Live on ABC from 8:00 p.m. ET.
Streaming: Available the next day on Hulu.
💋 A little NYE throwback with @MariahCarey and @RyanSeacrest 💋
Don't miss Mariah's performance on New Year's #RockinEve at 8/7c on @ABCNetwork! pic.twitter.com/BXbv7G3yGp
— New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (@RockinEve) December 26, 20252. CNN New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Back for their ninth year, the duo known for sharp humor and unpredictable moments returns to Times Square.
Hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
Special guests: Stephen Colbert, Robyn, and Shakira.
How to watch: Live on CNN from 8:00 p.m. ET.
Streaming: Exclusively on CNN All Access, with access also via the CNN app for pay-TV subscribers.
Watch the countdown to New Year’s Eve live with Anderson and Andy Cohen. pic.twitter.com/AvUGsWpmId
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) December 27, 20253. New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash (CBS)
For a country-flavoured celebration, CBS broadcasts five hours of live music from Nashville.
Hosts: Comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY.
Performers: Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney.
How to watch: Live on CBS from 8:00 p.m. ET.
Streaming: Live and on-demand for Paramount+ subscribers.
HARDY, Bert Kreischer to Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’https://t.co/p7ZfseufIS
— billboard (@billboard) December 17, 2025How to watch without cable
Cord-cutters can still enjoy every major moment. Live access is available through Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, all of which carry ABC, CBS, and CNN. Viewers can also watch the official, commercial-free Times Square ball drop at TimesSquareNYC.org. CNN All Access serves as the exclusive streaming home for the Cooper–Cohen broadcast.
In an era dominated by short clips and endless scrolling, these New Year’s Eve specials remain a shared cultural moment. For one night, millions of viewers watch the same countdown, hear the same music, and step into the new year together.
As the clock strikes midnight, these broadcasts offer more than entertainment. They mark a collective pause, a fresh start, and a hopeful welcome to 2026.
