“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” will include a countdown segment from Chicago in the central time zone for the first time in the more than 50-year history of ABC’s live broadcasts.
The countdown from Chicago joins a traditional segment marking the final seconds to midnight in New York and a Spanish-language countdown from Puerto Rico. “Rockin’ Eve” producer Dick Clark Productions said the Chicago episode will include a new host, live performances and on-set updates and reports throughout the evening.
“I’m proud to announce that ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ is coming to the world’s greatest city,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the world to the beauty and dynamism of our city and its people. We couldn’t be more excited to ring in the new year with fireworks, music, and Chicago pride.”
ABC O&O WLS-TV General Manager John Idler echoed the mayor’s sentiments. The Windy City is proud to be Chicago and have the opportunity to showcase the great city of Chicago on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. “We look forward to bringing viewers a spectacular fireworks display centered around the iconic bridge that spans the Chicago River and over the city’s world-class architecture,” said Idler.
Chicago is also the hometown of Barry Adelman, longtime executive producer of “Rockin’ Eve” and vice president of television for Dick Clark Prods.
“For more than 50 years, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has served as America’s premier destination for New Year’s Eve live entertainment, bringing people together from coast to coast to celebrate the start of the new year,” Adelman said. “The addition of a live Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago is an exciting new chapter for our show, allowing us to share the great energy, culture and spirit of this iconic American city with millions of viewers across the country.”
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” will air live on ABC on Wednesday, December 31st at 8pm ET. It is always the top TV broadcast on New Year’s Eve, and the 2024-25 countdown special is one of the most-watched entertainment specials of the year, with approximately 29 million viewers at midnight.
