Each year, millions of Americans ask the same question as the New Year approaches — what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on? The answer continues to be clear and consistent: the annual celebration airs live on ABC, making it the official home of America’s biggest New Year’s Eve broadcast.
The 2026 edition of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest delivered another high-energy night filled with performances, celebrity appearances, and the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop. Whether watching from home or streaming on the go, ABC once again brought the magic of New Year’s Eve into living rooms across the United States.
ABC: The Official Home of Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve
For those wondering what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, the exclusive answer is ABC. The network has held broadcast rights to the event since its debut in 1972 and remains the only television network authorized to air the full show live.
The 2026 special aired on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and continued through the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 1, 2026. ABC’s broadcast featured simultaneous celebrations from multiple cities, with the main stage in New York City’s Times Square serving as the centerpiece.
Viewers could tune in via:
- ABC local affiliates nationwide on cable or satellite.
- Free over-the-air television using an antenna.
- Live streaming platforms that include ABC, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.
- ABC.com and the ABC app, with a valid TV provider login.
This consistent accessibility has made ABC the destination for families across the country every New Year’s Eve.
Broadcast Schedule and Timings
The live coverage began with a pre-show segment leading into the main countdown program. The full schedule for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 was as follows:
| Segment | Start Time (ET) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Segment & Welcome | 8:00 p.m. | Times Square, New York |
| Early Performances | 8:15 p.m.–10:30 p.m. | Times Square & Los Angeles |
| Central Time Countdown | 11:00 p.m. | New Orleans |
| Times Square Ball Drop | 11:59 p.m. | New York City |
| West Coast After-Party Performances | 12:15 a.m.–2:00 a.m. | Los Angeles |
The schedule ensured that viewers in all U.S. time zones could join in on the excitement and ring in 2026 together, whether they celebrated at 9 p.m. on the West Coast or at midnight in New York.
Hosting Team and On-Air Talent
The 2026 broadcast featured familiar faces and a few new additions.
- Ryan Seacrest, marking his 21st consecutive year as host, led the broadcast live from Times Square.
- Rita Ora joined him as co-host, interacting with fans and introducing musical acts in the heart of New York City.
- Liza Koshy hosted the Los Angeles segment, bringing West Coast energy and humor to the night.
- Jeannie Mai hosted from New Orleans, covering the Central Time celebration.
- The Nashville performances were simulcast as part of ABC’s collaboration with New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, featuring Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll.
This multi-city format gave viewers a dynamic mix of performances, countdowns, and crowd moments, making it feel like a nationwide celebration under one broadcast.
How to Watch and Stream the Show
If you’re wondering what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on and how to watch it beyond traditional TV, there were several easy ways to join the live broadcast.
ABC made the event widely accessible for cable, satellite, and digital viewers alike:
- Cable or Satellite TV: Tune to your local ABC station.
- Digital Antenna: Watch the broadcast for free by scanning for local ABC channels.
- Streaming Options: Services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV carried the ABC live feed.
- ABC.com and ABC App: Available with a TV provider login.
Highlights and performance clips were also uploaded to ABC’s official YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook shortly after midnight.
For those who missed the live broadcast, ABC made full replay segments available on Hulu on January 1, 2026, allowing fans to relive the night’s biggest moments.
Performances That Defined the 2026 Broadcast
The 2026 show offered a star-packed lineup that reflected the diverse sound of American music today. ABC’s nationwide audience saw performances from the year’s most celebrated artists, spanning pop, rock, country, and Latin genres.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights that aired on ABC:
- Taylor Swift – Performed “Cruel Summer” and “Anti-Hero.”
- Post Malone – Energized Times Square with “Chemical” and “Circles.”
- Sabrina Carpenter – Captivated viewers with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
- Green Day – Brought rock nostalgia with “American Idiot.”
- Shania Twain – Delivered “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “Giddy Up!”
- Peso Pluma – Introduced Mexican rhythms with “QLONA.”
- NewJeans – Represented K-pop’s global rise with “Super Shy.”
Each performance was broadcast live on ABC, contributing to a seamless mix of energy and emotion that defined the show’s success.
The Times Square Experience
More than a million people filled Times Square to witness the 2026 Ball Drop in person. Security was strong but friendly, and attendees began gathering as early as 10 a.m. Despite the cold weather, the atmosphere was electric.
As always, ABC’s production brought that energy to television screens with high-definition camera work, sweeping drone shots, and crisp audio. The network’s broadcast captured every angle — from performers on the main stage to the glowing Waterford Crystal Ball high above the crowd.
At 11:59 p.m., the ball began its 60-second descent, perfectly timed with the broadcast clock. As it reached the bottom, the crowd erupted in cheers, fireworks filled the sky, and ABC viewers across the country joined the moment of unity.
Why ABC Remains the Network of Choice
When people ask what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, the answer goes beyond just naming ABC — it’s about the show’s unmatched legacy on the network.
ABC’s partnership with Dick Clark Productions began in the early 1970s. Dick Clark, then a household name as host of American Bandstand, envisioned a televised New Year’s Eve event centered on live music. ABC made that vision a reality, and over five decades later, the tradition continues stronger than ever.
Ryan Seacrest took over hosting duties in 2005 and has carried the legacy forward, maintaining the mix of music, culture, and connection that Dick Clark made famous. The combination of familiar faces, world-class production, and emotional countdowns keeps viewers loyal year after year.
Ratings and Audience Reach
Early Nielsen data confirmed that Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 was once again the most-watched television event of the night. ABC drew over 18 million viewers during the midnight hour, with strong ratings in all major U.S. markets.
The show’s digital reach grew as well. ABC’s livestream and social media clips surpassed 100 million global views, with hashtags like #RockinEve2026 and #TimesSquareNYE trending on X, TikTok, and Instagram within minutes of the countdown.
These numbers reaffirm ABC’s status as the top New Year’s Eve destination on television and online.
Accessibility and Viewer Experience
ABC ensured that the 2026 broadcast remained accessible for all viewers. The network provided closed captions and audio descriptions throughout the program.
The ABC app and website included a real-time countdown clock, performance previews, and interactive features, allowing fans to join the celebration from any device. Smart TV owners could stream directly through the ABC app, Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV.
These updates kept the experience modern, interactive, and available to audiences of every age group.
A Tradition That Defines New Year’s Eve
Few television specials have achieved the cultural impact of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. The event blends nostalgia and innovation, connecting generations of viewers in a single shared countdown.
Every year, new performers join the stage, but the heart of the show remains unchanged — joy, music, and the collective excitement of starting a new year together. ABC’s dedication to delivering that experience ensures the program remains the country’s most trusted New Year’s Eve tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on?
ABC is the official and exclusive broadcaster across the United States.
What time does it start?
The 2026 broadcast began at 8:00 p.m. ET and continued through 2:00 a.m. ET.
Can I watch it without cable?
Yes. You can watch ABC for free with an antenna or stream it through Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV.
Is there a replay available?
Yes. Highlights and performances are available on ABC’s website, YouTube, and Hulu.
Is ABC available in all U.S. cities?
Yes. ABC has affiliates in every major U.S. market, ensuring national coverage.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With another successful broadcast behind them, ABC and Dick Clark Productions are already preparing for next year’s event. The 2027 edition is expected to continue the tradition with even more interactive elements and live performances.
As long as the ball keeps dropping in Times Square, fans know where to tune in — ABC will remain the home of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Whether you watch on cable, online, or through local TV, ABC is where New Year’s Eve comes alive. If you’ve ever wondered what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, the answer will always be ABC — America’s countdown destination.