December 31, 2025, places television networks in direct competition for national attention as ABC, CBS, and CNN deploy large-scale, live New Year’s Eve broadcasts anchored by celebrity hosts and global coverage. These broadcasts span multiple time zones, feature live performances, and combine entertainment with countdown rituals, positioning television as a curated cultural event.

And as New Year's Eve is in a few days, here are some picks that should be on your list.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest

ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve enters its 54th year with Ryan Seacrest returning as lead host alongside Rita Ora in Times Square. The 2026 edition introduces a first-ever Central Time countdown from Chicago, hosted by Chance the Rapper.

Las Vegas coverage is led separately by Rob Gronkowski. Performers include Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, and Chappell Roan. The broadcast stretches across multiple time zones, reinforcing ABC’s dominance in large-scale pop-driven celebrations.

While ABC prioritizes global pop momentum, CBS shifts focus toward regional identity and genre-specific loyalty.

New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash

CBS broadcasts New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where HARDY and Bert Kreischer host a five-hour country takeover. The five-hour event centers on country music, headlined by Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman.

Additional appearances include Miranda Lambert and Brooks and Dunn across multiple Nashville stages. The night concludes with the midnight drop of the 138-foot red Music Note. It transforms Music City branding into a nationally televised countdown symbol.

As CBS leans into tradition and place, CNN opts for unpredictability shaped by personality and global reporting.

New Year's Eve Live

CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live returns for a ninth year with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen hosting from Times Square beginning at 8 PM ET. The broadcast combines live reporting with unscripted commentary and celebrity appearances from Stephen Colbert and Patti LaBelle.

Musical performances include Shakira and Robyn, while international correspondents report from cities such as London and Abu Dhabi. The format prioritizes spontaneity, positioning news coverage alongside humor without formal separation.

Which New Year’s Eve broadcast delivers the most compelling way to close out 2025? Which one will you be watching? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Itti Mahajan