For more than 50 years, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” has been a staple celebration of the holiday season. The hours-long special, now with host Ryan Seacrest, features a bevy of high-profile acts, musical guests, celebrity appearances and more, and the eve of 2026 will be no different.
Before WWD breaks down all the details for “Dick Clark’s 2026 New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” here’s a bit of history about the American entertainment pastime. Beginning in 1974, two years after the conception of the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special, TV personality and radio host Dick Clark rang in the new year with a holiday-themed special that would broadcast across the country. Originally premiering on NBC, the live TV program transitioned to ABC beginning in 1974 with Clark as host.
Ryan Seacrest (L) and Rita Ora are seen rehearsing for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in Times Square on Dec. 30, 2023 in New York City.
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Prior to Dick Clark, the American-Irish rock band Three Dog Night hosted the first iteration of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in 1973, followed by comedian George Carlin. The contemporary version of the show was expanded in 2001, beginning in a primetime television slot. Over the course of more than two decades, live performances and pre-recorded concerts from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Elton John and more featured.
After more than 30 years at the helm, Clark, who suffered a stroke in 2005, handed off hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest, with the production retaining the longtime eponymous host’s name. Over the course of the broadcast, high-profile stars perform across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
Dick Clark for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on Dec. 31, 1978.
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