Raise your glass to 2025!
Another year has passed, which means it’s once again time to sit back on your couch and watch the ball drop (or watch When Harry Met Sally for the hundredth timewe will not judge).
As always, ABC And CNN will host their New Year’s Eve parties from Times Square with a perfect view of the iconic ball drop, a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. Somehow it already is Ryan Seacrest 20th year hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s classic Rockin’ Eve, while Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen go back to CNN (with alcohol, again). CBS and BNC also have fun with specials from Nashville, Tennessee, and a party with TODAY hosts Hoda Kotb And Jenna Bush Hagerrespectively.
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Of course, there’s always an alternative visualization, so there’s something for you no matter what’s popping your cork. Check out some options and find out how to watch them below.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC. Streaming on Hulu.
Who hosts: Ryan Seacrest will take the mic for the 20th (!) year, while his co-host in Times Square will once again be singer and actress Rita Ora. Dayanara Torres will once again co-host from Puerto Rico.
Who performs: There’s quite a list, including big names like Carrie Underwood, who will be singing at midnight; Alanis Morissette; the Jonas brothers; T-pain; Blake Shelton; Renee Rapp; Kesha; Big Joe; Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh; Ernest; ROBUST; Dasha; Laufey; and Natasha Bedingfield, some filming from various locations.
Who should watch: It’s the special that has something for everyone and the general public, which is why it’s been around since 1972. It’s the tried and true special for those looking for a traditional experience that provides insight into what’s going on in the “Crossroads of the World.”
New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on CNN. If you prefer to watch virtually, the show can also be found on: CNN.com (cable connection required), Max, DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling.
Who hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen return for their eighth consecutive year to ring in the new year. Many other CNN journalists will also be present at celebrations across the country. Richard Quest will report live from the crowds of Times Square and Madame Tussauds, while Randi Kaye will report from Key West, Florida; Stephanie Elam of Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas; and Gary Tuchman of Prescott, Arizona.
Who performs: There is no shortage of stars in this show: 50 cents will perform live from his residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and the show will also include performances from Prick, Meghan Trainor, Shania TwainDiplo, Lil Jon and Patti LaBelle. Comedians Whitney Cummings, Amy Sedaris, Sasheer Zamata, Ziwe and Adam Devine will also appear. Carrie Underwood is set to perform just before the ball drops, ringing in the new year with a medley of his greatest hits. Next, country star Mickey Guyton will continue the tradition of singing John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Who should watch: CNN is a bit older in its audience, especially in the ribald dynamic between Cooper and Cohen. So it may be a less family-friendly option. The good news is that if you listen to Cooper laughing like a little kid while the two friends party until midnight, cocktails are back. That’s right: Cohen and Cooper can soak up the air again, after a moratorium on alcohol consumption in 2022 and a more measured approach in 2023. This time, they’ve promised to beat back the shots once moreover.
New Year’s Eve Live: The Big Bash from Nashville
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET/PT to 10 p.m., then resumes at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT until 1:30 a.m. on CBS. Streaming on Paramount+.
Who hosts: Country music singer Keith Urban – maybe you’ve heard of him, wink – and Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith.
Who performs: Maybe we should ask who isn’t? The five-hour show will feature “a jaw-dropping chartbuster of more than 40 consecutive live performances from country music country,” CBS said in a new release. Artists include Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Shaboozey, Big & Rich, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and many more.
Who should watch: Anyone who can’t get enough of country music.
Sara Bareilles: New Year’s Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on PBS and the PBS app.
Who hosts: Grammy Award Winner Sarah Bareilles will lead the show with one of his must-see, crowd-pleasing performances.
Who performs: In addition to Bareilles, Rufus Wainwright, Emily King and David Ryan Harris will perform. Also present are Ben Folds, Madison Cunningham and the former Bareilles. Girls5eva with her costar Renée Elise Goldsberry. Meeting!
Who should watch: Those who would rather spend a night at the Kennedy Center than Times Square, and those who still cry Girls5evacancellation.
A toast to 2024!
How to watch: 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
Who hosts: The beloved morning show features Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
Who performs: It’s not that special. In it, Kotb and Hager will look back on some of the biggest moments of the year in the “ultimate 2024 recap show.” according to the CNB. Expect joyful and touching moments. Celebrity guests will also appear: Kristin Chenoweth; Tom Hanks; Jeff Goldblum; Howie Mandel; Stephanie Hsu; The voiceMichael Bublé, Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire; Martha Stewart; Today welcomes Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker; and Allison Tolman and David Alan Grier, of St-Denis Medical.
Who should watch: Early risers who appreciate Today and, truly, all fans of NBC shows will be delighted.
New Year’s Eve with the hosts of Turner Classic Movies
How to watch: The fun starts at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on TCM. You can also stream the live stream on the Watch TCM app (cable connection required).
Who hosts: Beloved cable network TCM is bringing its five on-air hosts together to ring in the new year. Join Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller as they showcase their favorite films featuring a New Year’s Eve party scene.
Who performs: There are no special performances here; however, all five hosts will countdown to midnight and ring in the new year at midnight Eastern and Pacific times. The evening’s film program includes: The apartment, the exchange places, the rehearsal, the bundle of joy, And Boulevard du Couchant. There’s something for everyone, whatever your cinematic tastes.
Who should watch: Movie fans will likely find that watching TCM is one of the most enjoyable ways to ring in the new year. But anyone who prefers to spend the evening in movie marathon mode rather than watching the antics of Times Square will enjoy TCM’s programming. Plus, the hosts bring a touch of elegance to New Year’s Eve with that classic “Auld Lang Syne” vibe you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.