New Yearâs Eve TV is one of those traditions that sneaks up on you every single year. One minute youâre debating snacks, the next youâre weirdly invested in which countdown youâre watching and whoâs braving the cold in Times Square.
It seems like the networks have fully accepted that viewers want options. Like loud parties, cozy reflections, music-driven celebrations, and hosts who actually feel fun to hang out with. For New Yearâs Eve 2025-2026, the biggest networks are all sticking to what they know, and honestly? Thatâs what makes this lineup work so well.
ABC Brings the Epic Vibes
If New Yearâs Eve had a main character, it would still be ABC. âDick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve with Ryan Seacrestâ returns for 2026 with the kind of all-out, nationwide energy thatâs become its signature. Ryan Seacrest is back in Times Square (because of course he is). He’ll be anchoring the night like someone who has truly mastered surviving confetti storms and freezing temperatures. Ryanâs joined in New York by Rita Ora. Meanwhile the celebration expands across the country with Chance the Rapper hosting from Chicago. Then Rob Gronkowski teams up with Julianne Hough (again) in Las Vegas.
It seems like ABC continues to operate under the belief that bigger is better on New Yearâs Eve, and that philosophy absolutely tracks. Multiple cities, nonstop performances, and a countdown that feels unavoidable. This is the broadcast you throw on when you want New Yearâs Eve to feel like a moment. The special airs live on Wednesday, December 31, starting at 8:00pm ET on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
CNNâs Dynamic Duo
CNNâs New Yearâs Eve coverage has become its own thing entirely. For the 2025-2026 celebration, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are back together in Times Square once again. Their dynamic is the secret sauce here⦠it never feels stiff or overly produced. Instead, it seems like youâre watching two friends react to the night in real time. And they’re bringing all the laughs, side comments, and unexpected moments that come with it.
The broadcast blends live crowd energy, guest appearances, and check-ins from celebrations around the world before bringing it all back to New York for the midnight countdown. CNN has really found that balance between informative and entertaining, which is no small feat on a night this chaotic. If you like your New Yearâs Eve coverage with personality (and a little unpredictability) this one remains a solid pick. âNew Yearâs Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohenâ airs Wednesday, December 31, at 8:00pm ET on CNN. Extended coverage should be available across CNN platforms.
CBS Hangs Out in Nashville
CBS isnât trying to compete with Times Square⦠and thatâs kind of the point. âNew Yearâs Eve Live: Nashvilleâs Big Bashâ continues to lean fully into a music-first celebration. And for 2025-2026, the hosting duties belong to comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY. Theyâre joined by social media personality Haley Baylee, who handles the East Coast countdown from New York.
Broadcast live from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the special is built around live performances and crowd energy. All leading up to Nashvilleâs signature Music Note Drop at midnight. It seems like CBS wants this to feel less like a countdown, and more like a full-on concert that just happens to ring in the new year. But thatâs exactly what makes it stand out. The five-hour event airs Wednesday, December 31, at 8:00pm ET and goes until 10:00pm ET. Then the show breaks for a half hour to run the local news, returning at 10:30pm ET and going until 1:30am ET on CBS and Paramount+.
NBC Does Something Different
NBC continues its recent New Yearâs Eve approach by skipping a traditional live ball drop and leaning into something a little more reflective. For the coverage leading into 2026, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will host âA Toast to 2025!â from New York. Offering viewers a chance to look back at the moments that defined the year.
Rather than competing with the louder, flashier countdowns, this special leaned into warmth, conversation, and familiarity. It seems like NBC knows exactly who this is for. Those who want to slow things down and ease into the new year with good energy instead of sensory overload. âA Toast to 2025!â airs Wednesday, December 31, at 10:30pm ET as part of NBCâs New Yearâs Eve evening lineup.
Whether youâre chasing the Times Square spectacle, vibing with music-driven celebrations, tuning in for laughs, or ending the night on a reflective note, the New Yearâs Eve 2025-2026 TV lineup has something that fits the mood. Big energy, familiar faces, and plenty of ways to ring in 2026; yep, it seems like no matter how you celebrate, thereâs a countdown thatâll feel just right. Cheers to a New Year!
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