How to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for Free Tonight to Welcome in 2026
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America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration is returning for another year of performances, countdowns, and the iconic Times Square ball drop. This year’s edition of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest breaks the record as the longest telecast in the show’s history, featuring 39 artists performing across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and beyond. The good news for viewers? You don’t need a cable subscription to tune in, and there are multiple ways to watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve live for free tonight.
How to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at a Glance
- Streaming Options: DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV
- Channel: ABC
- Air Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Air Time: 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. ET
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest for his 20th year with co-host Rita Ora in Times Square, this year’s broadcast marks several firsts for the show. Grammy-winning hometown native Chance the Rapper will lead the first-ever live Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago, while NFL legend Rob Gronkowski returns alongside Julianne Hough, who makes her New Year’s Rockin’ Eve co-hosting debut in Las Vegas. Diana Ross will headline the Times Square celebration just before midnight, performing a medley of hits including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down.”
“Together we begin a new year. Let’s embrace a new beginning, new opportunities, new joy — a celebration of love, where we all come together as we begin 2026,” Ross said in a statement. The legendary performer will be joined by an all-star lineup including Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, and dozens more throughout the night.
Ready to stream tonight’s broadcast? Below, you’ll find detailed information about free viewing options and streaming services that carry ABC, so you can catch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve without breaking the bank.
How to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 airs on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. If you don’t have cable, you can still catch the special through streaming services that carry ABC and offer free trials.
DirecTV Stream is a solid choice, offering ABC across all its packages with a five-day free trial. Plans start at $89.99 per month after the trial ends. Fubo is another strong option with a seven-day free trial, and ABC is included in its Pro package for $79.99 monthly. Hulu + Live TV provides access to ABC at $89.99 per month and sweetens the deal by bundling Disney Plus, Hulu’s on-demand library, and ESPN Plus together. If you’re in a market where Sling TV carries ABC, you can access it through the Blue package at $50.99 per month. Keep on reading ahead for a full breakdown of your streaming options.
- Best Overall Pick to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: DirecTV Stream
- Best Budget Pick to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Sling TV
- Best Bundle Pick to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Hulu + Live TV
- Best Flexible Pick to Watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Fubo
– Includes local networks and 90+ channels
We tested every streaming service offering a free trial in 2025, and DirecTV came out on top as our editor’s pick. With its free trial and massive selection of channels and local networks, it’s a great choice for watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC.
– 30+ channels
– Large library of shows, movies, and Hulu Originals
– Includes local networks and 200+ channels
Where is Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 filmed?
The 2026 special features performances and celebrations from New York’s Times Square, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and additional locations. The special showcases live performances and countdowns across multiple time zones, culminating in the iconic Times Square ball drop at midnight EST.
Who are the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 performers?
Read on for a full list of acts performing in Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026.
- 4 Non Blondes
- 50 Cent
- 6lack
- AJR
- BigXthaPlug
- Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean (DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live!)
- Chance the Rapper
- Charlie Puth
- Chappell Roan
- Ciara
- Demi Lovato
- Diana Ross
- EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI (KPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X)
- Filmore
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Jess Glynne
- Jessie Murph
- Jordan Davis
- LE SSERAFIM
- Leon Thomas
- Lil Jon
- Little Big Town
- Madison Beer
- Maren Morris
- Mariah Carey
- New Kids on the Block
- OneRepublic
- Pitbull
- Post Malone
- Rick Springfield
- Russell Dickerson
- The All-American Rejects
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zara Larsson
