New Year's Rockin' Eve to Simulcast on ABC and Disney+ for First Time

For the very first time in its rich and storied history, the iconic holiday special "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest" is expanding its reach to the digital streaming landscape. ABC and Dick Clark Productions have officially announced that the upcoming 2027 edition will be simulcast live on Disney+ alongside its traditional broadcast on ABC. This strategic move highlights the ongoing evolution of major live television events, bridging traditional broadcast networks and streaming platforms to capture wider, more diverse modern audiences.

At the helm of the massive production once again is veteran host Ryan Seacrest. He will be joined by singer and television personality Rita Ora, who will serve as co-host live from the bustling heart of Times Square in New York City. The dynamic duo will guide millions of viewers through the final moments of the year, keeping the energy high as the famous ball drops. Meanwhile, audiences tuning into the broadcast will also be treated to a variety of segments spanning multiple cities and time zones across the country.

Returning for this year's festivities are Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski, who will anchor pre-taped performances and entertainment from the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. Adding to the eclectic mix, comedian and digital creator Druski will join the lineup from Chicago to infuse the telecast with his unique brand of humor. While the complete list of musical acts and performers is still tightly under wraps and expected to be revealed at a later date, the initial announcements alone point to an ambitious production.

This expansion follows the massive success of previous iterations of the special. The 2026 edition notably stretched to an impressive eight hours of runtime, officially cementing its status as the longest telecast in the program's history spanning more than half a century. That sprawling broadcast featured a staggering forty-two performers and four distinct live countdown celebrations, drawing talent and viewers from Times Square, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Nashville, Kansas City, and beyond.

Last year's stellar lineup demonstrated the sheer scale of the event, boasting appearances and performances from legendary and contemporary acts alike. Artists such as Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, and many others graced the stages, delivering ratings that reached the show's highest points in four years according to live-plus-three-day metrics. By bringing this powerhouse of live holiday entertainment to Disney+, the producers are ensuring that the tradition remains accessible to cord-cutters and streaming-first households everywhere.

In conclusion, the decision to simulcast "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" on Disney+ represents a milestone for both the franchise and the Walt Disney Company. As linear television continues to intersect with on-demand and streaming services, viewers can expect even greater accessibility to live cultural moments. With Ryan Seacrest and an all-star hosting team ready to take over Times Square, the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration is shaping up to be an unforgettable television event for audiences worldwide.