“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is set to usher in 2026 with an eight-hour telecast featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances and the iconic Times Square ball drop. The event, a tradition for over five decades, will broadcast live on ABC starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Wednesday, December 31, extending into the early hours of January 1, 2026.
Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host the main festivities from Times Square, leading a coast-to-coast celebration that includes live and pre-recorded acts from various locations across the United States. This year marks the longest broadcast in the show's history, promising extensive entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” airs on ABC starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on December 31.
- The telecast features 39 performances by artists like Diana Ross, Post Malone, and Mariah Carey.
- Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host live from Times Square.
- Viewers can stream the event live via services like Sling TV or catch it the next day on Hulu.
- International viewers may use a VPN to access their home streaming services.
Live Performances and Star-Studded Lineup
This year's broadcast will feature an impressive total of 39 performances. The lineup includes a mix of music legends and contemporary stars, ensuring a wide appeal for viewers celebrating the New Year.
Music icon Diana Ross is scheduled to perform just before the midnight countdown in Times Square. Her segment will feature a medley of hits, including popular tracks like “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.” This performance is expected to be a highlight of the evening, leading into the final moments of 2025.
Notable Performers
- Diana Ross
- Post Malone
- 50 Cent
- Chappell Roan
- The Goo Goo Dolls
- Mariah Carey
- Chance the Rapper
- Demi Lovato
- New Kids on the Block
- Pitbull
Other artists confirmed to appear throughout the evening include 4 Non Blondes, AJR, BigXthaPlug, Charlie Puth, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, T.I. & Wyclef Jean, Filmore, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, LE SSERAFIM, Lil Jon, Little Big Town, Madison Beer, Maren Morris, OneRepublic, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, The All-American Rejects, Tucker Wetmore, and Zara Larsson. The extensive list guarantees continuous entertainment across the multiple stages.
How to Watch in the U.S.
For viewers in the United States, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” will be available on ABC. The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT on December 31 and concludes in the early hours of January 1, 2026.
Accessing ABC is possible through various methods. Viewers can use a digital TV antenna for over-the-air reception, subscribe to a cable TV package, or utilize a live TV streaming service. Popular live TV streaming options that include ABC are Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV.
Streaming Options for U.S. Viewers
If watching live is not an option, the full New Year's Eve special will be available for streaming the next day on Hulu. A basic Hulu subscription costs $11.99 per month, while an ad-free version is available for $18.99 per month. Annual subscriptions offer a discount, providing two months free. Hulu also offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Another option is the Disney Bundle, which includes Hulu and Disney Plus for $12.99 per month.
“We are bringing party-goers nationwide another incredible night of jubilation – eight hours of thrilling live performances plus the iconic One Times Square ball drop.”
Sling TV and Fubo Benefits
Sling Blue, a package from Sling TV, includes over 40 channels, such as ABC (in select cities), Fox, NBC, AMC, Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, and Comedy Central. It provides an affordable way to access live television without a traditional cable subscription.
Fubo offers a free trial, allowing new users to explore its features before committing. Its channel lineup includes local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, alongside popular cable channels such as ESPN, AMC, Food Network, FX, MTV, and Syfy.
Watching from Outside the U.S.
For those traveling or living outside the United States, accessing “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on their usual streaming services might be challenging due to geo-restrictions. However, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide a solution.
A VPN allows devices to appear as if they are located in a different country, enabling users to access their home streaming subscriptions from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for U.S. citizens on vacation or business trips who wish to watch the New Year’s Eve broadcast.
Recommended VPN and Usage
Norton VPN is a recommended service, known for its speed, security, and global server locations. It offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free trial period. Exclusive discounts are often available for various regions.
- Install the VPN: Download and install the Norton VPN application on your device.
- Select Location: In the VPN app, choose the country you wish to connect to. For example, if you are a U.S. viewer in the U.K., select 'U.S.' from the list of countries.
- Access Streaming Service: Once connected, navigate to your U.S. streaming service (e.g., ABC or Hulu) and enjoy the show as if you were at home.
International Broadcast Information
In Canada, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” will air on CityTV starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on December 31. Canadian viewers without cable can subscribe to CityTV Plus, available through its website or as an Amazon Prime add-on channel. Membership costs CA$9.99 per month after a 7-day free trial.
The broadcast does not have a dedicated streaming home in the United Kingdom or Australia. Both countries typically feature their own New Year's Eve programming. For U.S. nationals in these regions, using a VPN remains the most reliable method to access their existing U.S. streaming subscriptions and watch the event.
This year’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” promises to deliver a memorable transition into 2026, combining musical performances, the Times Square countdown, and widespread availability for audiences across North America and beyond.