New Year's Eve celebrations are set to dazzle once again as various broadcast shows prepare to ring in 2025. With parties and events spanning across cities, the iconic ball drop at Times Square promises to be the highlight of the evening for millions worldwide.
Among the most anticipated broadcasts is CNN’s special featuring Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, who return for their eighth year as co-hosts. The duo will provide viewers with their charming banter and lively discussions as they count down to midnight. This year, the festivities kick off at 8 p.m. ET, with musical performances from notables like 50 Cent, Sting, and Meghan Trainor, ensuring the night is filled with music and revelry.
“I just want to be with my friends,” Cohen remarked, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie during what can be an emotional night for many. His friendship with Cooper shines through as they navigate the festivities together, particularly their goal to include people who might feel alone during the celebration by creating a sense of community among viewers.
For fans of traditional broadcasts, 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest' remains another staple. Celebrated for its star-studded line-up, this year’s event marks Seacrest's 20th year as host. Starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, the show will feature performances from Carrie Underwood, who is set to perform her biggest hits right before midnight, alongside other artists like Blake Shelton and Alanis Morissette. With options for next-day streaming on Hulu, viewers can enjoy the event on their schedule.
But viewers aren’t limited to just one option. The 'New Year’s Eve Live' webcast, co-hosted by Jonathan Bennett and Jeremy Hassell, promises commercial-free coverage with musical performances beginning at 6 p.m. ET. This year’s line-up introduces viewers to talents such as Mickey Guyton, ensuring attendees will not miss out on the excitement from the comfort of their own homes.
A special mention goes to Nashville, where 'New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash' on CBS will stretch the celebration from 7:30 p.m. ET, featuring performances by country music stars Kane Brown and Jelly Roll. Viewers can also stream the event live on Paramount+ for on-demand enjoyment.
Those planning to witness the iconic ball drop firsthand will join thousands of others packed tightly together at Times Square. The New Year's Eve ball has become synonymous with the holiday, being 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds, serving as both a tradition and spectacle. Since its first drop welcoming 1908, the ball is now covered in over 2,600 illuminated crystal triangles, each symbolizing virtues such as love and goodwill.
Historically, there are fascinating tidbits about the ball’s history. Notably, it was dropped every year except during the wartime dimouts of 1942 and 1943. Prior to the Times Square tradition, similar “time-balls” existed, providing captains with navigation cues well back to the 1830s at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England.
“We’ll definitely be welcoming 2025 with Andy Cohen on our screens, and we can’t wait to see what surprises he has in store,” said a representative from First for Women, highlighting the excitement surrounding the evening as storied hosts prepare for the show.
With various channels broadcasting live celebrations, viewers can select from options to suit their taste. This New Year’s Eve, whether at home with loved ones or braving the crowds at Times Square, the spirit of togetherness and joy remains at the heart of these traditions. Don’t forget to tune in to your preferred broadcast to join the festive anticipation as the clock counts down to midnight!
