Watch & Stream: Your Guide to the Best Platforms
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Embrace the excitement of new beginnings! As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect and prepare for the arrival of 2025. The countdown is on, and there are numerous exciting options to celebrate the New Year that ensure you won’t feel like you’ve dropped the ball on making plans. Whether you’re looking to party or enjoy a cozy night in, the possibilities are endless.
What are the most thrilling ways to ring in the New Year? Your choice largely hinges on whether you want to venture out or stay home. This New Year’s Eve, you can find a variety of parties, concerts, and events to enjoy. High-profile happenings include Apple Music Live: NYE and star-studded Las Vegas residencies featuring icons like Bruno Mars and Janet Jackson, making the idea of staying in an appealing alternative if you prefer a more relaxed celebration.
For those who cherish tradition, there’s nothing quite like watching the iconic ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. You can enjoy live performances from your favorite artists, experience the vibrant atmosphere, and witness all the memorable and often hilarious viral moments of New Year’s Eve—all from the comfort of your own home. This classic experience allows you to celebrate while enjoying your favorite snacks and drinks.
To help you plan your New Year’s Eve viewing, we have curated a comprehensive list of the most popular specials airing this weekend. Below, you’ll find details about the NYE specials to watch and enjoy. If you currently lack cable or satellite access, we’ve included various streaming options to help you watch live or on-demand. You can also use services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to stream from outside the U.S. on select platforms.
Discover the Best Viewing Options for 2025 New Year’s Eve Specials
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest
Join the celebration as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve makes its grand return for the 53rd year, hosted by the ever-charismatic Ryan Seacrest alongside co-host Rita Ora. Tune in on Sunday, December 31, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC for an unforgettable night featuring performances from chart-topping artists like Lenny Kravitz, Jonas Brothers, Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette, and Cody Johnson. This vibrant event promises to be a highlight of your New Year’s festivities.
If you happen to miss the live broadcast, don’t fret! The NYE special will be available for streaming live and on-demand the following day on Hulu + Live TV. With streaming plans starting at $82.99/month, you can gain access to over 90 live channels, including Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, ensuring you won’t miss out on any exciting content.
Looking for more viewing alternatives? You can also watch through DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and SlingTV for a variety of options to suit your preferences.
CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
This year’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash features country superstar Keith Urban joining forces with Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith in Nashville. Coverage will also include Cody Alan and CBS anchor Lonnie Quinn providing live updates from NYC’s Times Square. Get ready for a night packed with spectacular performances from country music’s biggest stars, including Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Lainey Wilson.
Tune in to CBS’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on Sunday, December 31, from 7:30-10 p.m. ET/PT and again from 10:30 p.m.-1:05 a.m. ET/PT. You can stream it live and on-demand via Paramount+. Currently, they are offering a one-week free trial, with streaming plans starting at $7.99/month.
For additional viewing options, check out DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and SlingTV.
CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Returning for the eighth consecutive year, the dynamic duo of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will co-host CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, broadcasting from the iconic Times Square in New York City. This annual special is set to air on Sunday, December 31, at 8 p.m. ET on CNN. Viewers can look forward to exciting performances and special appearances from notable stars such as 50 Cent, Sting, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Diplo, Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, and Michael Ian Black, ensuring a night filled with entertainment.
Don’t have cable? No problem! You can easily stream CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live on DirecTV Stream, which is currently offering a five-day free trial, along with a limited-time discount of $15 off your first two months.
Additional streaming options include Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, CNN.com (log-in required), and Max (also available on Prime). This diversity of options ensures you can catch all the festivities.
Back that Year Up: NYE Special
Hosted by the hilarious Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, the Back That Year Up special is now available for streaming on Peacock. This entertaining end-of-the-year recap explores the most memorable moments in pop culture, sports, entertainment, and much more. Alongside Hart and Thompson, expect guest appearances from celebrities like Jon Hamm, Machine Gun Kelly, Mookie Betts, Blake Griffin, Jonquel Jones, and Kenny G, making it a must-watch for everyone.
If you haven’t signed up for Peacock yet, you can subscribe now for just $7.99/month or opt for an ad-free experience for $13.99/month. This subscription will grant you access to the NYE special, as well as live sports events, original programming from NBC and Bravo, and an extensive library of hit movies.
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