Dick Clark Isn’t Hosting ‘Near Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ Anymore, but He Started It
Dick Clark is a television legend and deserves his flowers.
Updated Dec. 31 2024, 12:34 p.m. ET
It's hard to imagine a time when the world of television only had three networks. Until 1986 when Fox was founded, the big three ruled the airwaves. Anything and everything you wanted to watch, were found on CBS, NBC, or ABC. This includes the best show to kick off the new year: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
The show first aired in 1972 on NBC but two years later it moved to ABC which is where it has lived ever since. Although Dick passed away in 2012, his memory lives on each December with an incredible kick off to the new year under the show's original name. Why is it still called Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve? Let's get into it.
Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest, and Kari Clark at the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in June 2010
Why is it still called 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'?
Ryan Seacrest has been hosting Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve since 2005. For many viewers, Ryan has become synonymous with New Year's programming. So, why not make the switch to Ryan Seacrest's New Year's Rockin' Eve? It's about respect.
Dick Clark played a massive part in launching the event for NBC on Dec. 31, 1972. He took over anchoring duties in New York City, and the rest of the show was hosted by comedy legend George Carlin and the ridiculously popular band Three Dog Night. It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. Also, George Carlin was quite the scandalous pick which set Dick apart from other hosts.
Dick Clark is a TV legend who, like Seacrest, was omnipresent on camera. He pulled all sorts of hosting duties, from game shows like The $10,000 Pyramid to music-themed programs like American Bandstand, to a slew of ceremonies and award shows. Since he came up with the concept of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, it seemed fitting to keep the name to honor the late television mainstay.
' Dick Clark asks members of the 'American Bandstand' studio audience their opinions on a new release in 1980
Who are the performers for this year's 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'?
Seacrest will be co-hosting the Times Square show with singer Carrie Underwood, who is also headlining the performances. "I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year," she said in a statement to Variety. "I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square."
Joining Carrie on the big stage throughout the night is country singer Megan Moroney and British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The multi-talented Dayanara Torres returns as co-host in Puerto Rico. Additional performers include big scarf-loving Lenny Kravitz, singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, R&B artist and dancer Tinashe, and country singers Cody Johnson and Thomas Rhett. The show may be in its 54th year, but it has never looked better!
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest will air Tuesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. EST and streams the next day on Hulu.