Dick Clark Isn’t Hosting ‘Near Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ Anymore, but He Started It
Dick Clark stopped hosting the show in 2004.
Updated Dec. 30 2025, 4:10 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 was 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 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 asks members of the 'American Bandstand' studio audience their opinions on a new release in 1980
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.
How old was Dick Clark when he died?
On December 6, 2004, Dick was hospitalized after suffering what was initially thought to be a minor stroke. He was unable to host his New Year's Eve show, so Regis Philbin filled in for him.
Sadly, Dick never returned full-time as host, as he was unable to speak clearly for the remainder of his life due to the stroke.
On April 18, 2012, Dick died from a heart attack at the age of 82. He was survived by his third wife, Kari Wigton, his three children, and three grandchildren.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel," Ryan said at the time of his death.
"I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest will air Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. EST and stream the next day on Hulu.