Prepare to give a loud, woozy welcome to 2026 with “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” The top-rated NYE telecast has been delighting viewers for five decades now, and it’s bringing party-goers nationwide another incredible night of jubilation – eight hours of thrilling live performances (Diana Ross! Chance the Rapper!) plus the iconic One Times Square ball drop.
Read on below where we explain how to watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” online and from anywhere with a VPN — potentially for FREE, too.
‘Dick Clark’s NYRE’ release date, start time, TV channel, streaming info
“Dick Clark’s NYRE” will air Wednesday, December 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
• U.S. — ABC (via Sling TV) and Hulu
• Watch anywhere — try Norton VPN 100% risk-free
Anchored by show stalwart Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora in Times Square, join arms with revelers nationwide as this coast-to-coast telecast brings you rapturous live and pre-recorded acts from New York to Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond.
We’ll be treated to 39 incredible performances, as superstars like Post Malone, 50 Cent, Chappell Roan, the Goo Goo Dolls and Mariah Carey soundtrack your celebrations well into the early hours (with a 4am ET/PT finish time, it’s the longest-running “NYRE” broadcast yet).
The biggest moment? That’s reserved for the Times Square ball drop as the country counts down to midnight before fireworks triumphantly announce the start of a New Year. And the act preceding the occasion this year – and leading us singing and dancing into 2026 – will be none other than Diana Ross, as the music legend lights up the stage with a medley of hits including “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.”
So, raise a glass and join the party. Simply read the following guide for how to watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” online. Even if you’re away from home thanks to the magic of a VPN.
Watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ online tonight in the U.S.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Welcome in the New Year and watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on ABC this evening, Wednesday, December 31. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT and will go on into the early hours of January 1, 2026!
ABC is a broadcast network that can be accessed with one of the best TV antennas, a cable TV package or a live TV streaming platform like Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV.
If you’re not planning to watch live, you can catch the NYE spectacular the very next day on Hulu, which costs $11.99/month basic or $18.99/month ad-free. You can also subscribe to each tier annually and receive two months free and take advantage of its free trial.
You can also get Hulu via the Disney Bundle though, which gets you that streamer and Disney Plus for $12.99/month.
Watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from joining in the big event on your preferred streaming service?
You can still watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they’re back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business wanting to watch their usual streams.
We recommend Norton VPN:
It’s really simple to use a VPN to watch Dick Clark’s NYE show 2026.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we’ve said, Norton VPN is the one we recommend for this.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you’re visiting the U.K. and want to watch your usual U.S. stream, select ‘U.S.’ from the listed countries.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to your U.S. streaming service and watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve live, just as if you were at home.
Watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ online in Canada
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Those celebrating North of the U.S. can also watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and get in the party spirit. The show broadcasts on CityTV on December 31 from 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Prefer an OTT subscription? Those without cable can purchase a CityTV Plus membership instead. You can do this directly through its website, or get it as an Amazon Prime add-on channel. Either way, membership will cost CA$9.99 a month, though only after new subscribers have taken the 7-day free trial for a spin.
A U.S. citizen away on vacation? Norton VPN will let you access your usual streaming subscriptions no matter where you are in the world.
Can I watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ in the U.K.?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
ABC’s annual extravaganza doesn’t have a streaming home in the U.K, with the country broadcasting many of its own NYE shows and celebrations. There’s no word of Disney Plus UK picking up the special, either, though the streamer otherwise receives a number of ABC series and special events.
Away for the holidays? To prevent geo-blocks locking you out of the party, download a VPN like Norton VPN. Then simply sign in to your usual services and shake a tail feather as you watch “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest”.
Can I watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ in Australia?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
As above, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” caters exclusively to the North American market. However, if you’re a U.S. national visiting the country for some summer sun…
…simply download a VPN. Norton VPN will allow you to appear as if you’re back home and connect to your pre-existing subscriptions no matter where in the world you are.
‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ trailer
Ryan Seacrest is bringing the party this New Year’s Rockin Eve – YouTube
Who’s performing on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’?
4 Non Blondes50 CentAJRBigXthaPlugChance the RapperCharlie PuthChappell RoanCiaraDemi LovatoBusta Rhymes, T.I. & Wyclef JeanFilmoreGoo Goo DollsJess GlynneJessie MurphJordan DavisKPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/XLeon ThomasLE SSERAFIMLil JonLittle Big TownMadison BeerMaren MorrisMariah CareyNew Kids on the BlockOneRepublicPitbullPost MaloneRick SpringfieldRussell DickersonThe All-American RejectsTucker WetmoreZara Larsson
More from Tom’s Guide
Today’s best Norton VPN deals
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.