For millions of Americans ringing in 2026, one question topped all others — what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on? The answer remains the same as in past years: the beloved New Year’s Eve tradition airs exclusively on ABC, bringing live music, celebrity performances, and the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop into homes across the country.
Broadcast live from multiple cities, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 once again delivered an unforgettable night of music and celebration, continuing a television legacy that began more than 50 years ago.
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The Official Home of Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve
To directly answer what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, viewers can tune in to ABC on both local and national affiliates. The show began its live broadcast at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, January 1, 2026.
ABC remains the exclusive home of the event. It’s available on:
- Traditional cable and satellite TV under the ABC network listing.
- Free over-the-air broadcast through local ABC stations.
- Live streaming via ABC.com and the ABC app (authentication required).
- Subscription-based streaming platforms that include ABC, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.
No other network or service carries the full official broadcast. ABC holds the exclusive national television rights to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, a deal that has continued for decades under its partnership with Dick Clark Productions.
Broadcast Time and Schedule
The live event began with a pre-show at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main broadcast at 8 p.m. ET. The telecast ran past 2 a.m. ET, featuring performances from New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments from the 2026 broadcast:
| Segment | Time (Eastern) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening countdown and introductions | 8:00 p.m. | Times Square, New York |
| Early performances | 8:15 p.m.–10:30 p.m. | Times Square & Los Angeles |
| New Orleans countdown (Central Time) | 11:00 p.m. | New Orleans |
| New York City Ball Drop | 11:59 p.m. | Times Square |
| West Coast performances | 12:15 a.m.–2:00 a.m. | Los Angeles |
The ABC broadcast seamlessly transitioned between time zones, offering live celebrations for both the East and West Coasts.
Hosts and Locations
Ryan Seacrest returned as lead host for his 21st consecutive year, broadcasting live from Times Square in New York City. Rita Ora co-hosted on-site, interacting with fans and introducing artists throughout the night.
Other locations and hosts included:
- Los Angeles: Hosted by Liza Koshy, featuring performances by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter.
- New Orleans: Hosted by Jeannie Mai, highlighting the Central Time countdown.
- Nashville: Coverage from New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash featured Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll, simulcast in parts of the broadcast.
This multi-location format has become a hallmark of the show, giving ABC’s Rockin’ Eve a coast-to-coast celebration unlike any other.
Streaming and On-Demand Options
Viewers who missed the live broadcast can still watch performances and highlights. ABC made replay segments available on ABC.com and the ABC app within hours of the event’s conclusion.
Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV also have access to on-demand replays. Select musical performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage were uploaded to ABC’s official YouTube channel and Instagram Reels on January 1, 2026.
To access the live stream directly, fans needed to sign in using their TV provider credentials through the ABC website or app. Viewers without cable could use free trial offers from supported live TV streaming platforms that carry ABC.
Why ABC Is the Official Channel
ABC’s connection to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve dates back to 1972, when television legend Dick Clark first brought the Times Square experience to national audiences. Since then, ABC has remained the exclusive broadcaster, even after Dick Clark Productions expanded the event to include Los Angeles and Nashville stages.
The long-term partnership ensures that ABC continues to be the go-to network every New Year’s Eve, offering unmatched production quality and access to the official Times Square Ball Drop.
Performance Highlights from 2026
While the main focus is on what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, the performances were equally unforgettable. ABC viewers were treated to a mix of global stars and fresh talent, representing pop, rock, country, and Latin genres.
Here are some of the standout performances aired live on ABC:
- Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” and “Cruel Summer.”
- Post Malone – “Circles” and “Chemical.”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
- Green Day – “American Idiot.”
- Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
- Peso Pluma – “QLONA.”
- NewJeans – “Super Shy.”
The ABC broadcast balanced live performances, interviews, and countdown segments from across the country, creating one seamless viewing experience.
TV Ratings and Audience Reach
Early Nielsen ratings showed that Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 on ABC attracted over 18 million U.S. viewers, maintaining its long-standing position as America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve broadcast.
Across all platforms, ABC reported more than 100 million global viewers, including online streams. The live social media engagement also set records, with the show trending at #1 across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram throughout the night.
How to Watch Outside the U.S.
While ABC holds domestic rights, international audiences can stream Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve through local networks and streaming partners that carry ABC programming. Many viewers outside the U.S. accessed the event through YouTube Live, where ABC’s official channel aired select performances and the midnight countdown.
However, the full uninterrupted show remains an ABC exclusive for U.S. television.
Accessibility and Viewing Options
ABC ensured accessibility for all audiences during the 2026 broadcast. Closed captioning and descriptive audio were available across all affiliates and streaming platforms.
Viewers with smart TVs could also tune in via ABC’s digital channel listings or stream through compatible devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Google Chromecast.
Those watching over-the-air simply needed an antenna tuned to their local ABC station frequency to join the countdown for free.
The Legacy of Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve
Since its debut more than half a century ago, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has become the most-watched annual music event in American television history. Originally hosted by Dick Clark himself, the show transformed the Times Square Ball Drop into a national tradition.
Even after Clark’s passing in 2012, the show continues to honor his legacy under the leadership of Ryan Seacrest and the production team at Dick Clark Productions. Every year, the broadcast celebrates not only the turning of the calendar but also the enduring power of live entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on?
ABC is the official and exclusive broadcaster in the United States.
What time does it start?
The live broadcast began at 8 p.m. ET on December 31, 2025, and ran through 2 a.m. ET on January 1, 2026.
Can I watch it without cable?
Yes. You can stream it live through Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, or directly from ABC’s app and website.
Is it available for free?
Yes, viewers can watch for free using a digital antenna on their local ABC station.
Will highlights be available later?
Yes. Performance clips and behind-the-scenes moments are available on ABC’s website and official YouTube channel.
Why Viewers Keep Coming Back to ABC
Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve has become synonymous with the American New Year experience. Its mix of top-tier performances, heartfelt moments, and coast-to-coast coverage continues to make it a must-watch tradition.
ABC’s broadcast team delivers unmatched camera angles, immersive sound, and real-time crowd coverage that make viewers feel like they’re standing right in Times Square. Year after year, no other network matches the energy or scale of ABC’s New Year’s celebration.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 broadcast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve reaffirmed its place as the centerpiece of America’s New Year festivities. Whether you watched on cable, streamed it online, or joined through an antenna, one fact remains clear — ABC is the home of this legendary event.
So, if you’re ever asking what channel is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve on, the answer will always be simple: turn to ABC, the network where New Year’s Eve truly comes alive.