There are certain moments throughout the year that seem to bring everyone together.
And few are quite as exciting as those final seconds before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, spending the evening with friends or enjoying a cozy night at home, there’s something rather magical about watching the final moments of one year give way to the possibilities of another.
Of course, for generations of viewers, that celebration wouldn’t be quite the same without the familiar sights and sounds of Times Square in New York City.
The sparkling lights, the crowds eagerly awaiting midnight, the musical performances and, naturally, the iconic countdown that has become a tradition for millions of households.
And this year, families will have another way to join the celebration.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027” will stream live on Disney+ for the first time, alongside its traditional broadcast on ABC.
The announcement marks a new milestone for the long-running television special, bringing one of television’s most recognizable annual celebrations to Disney’s streaming platform.
And there’s plenty of familiar faces preparing to welcome the new year.
Ryan Seacrest will return as host, once again joined by singer and “The Masked Singer” panelist Rita Ora as co-host from Times Square in New York City.
Meanwhile, Julianne Hough and former NFL player Rob Gronkowski will return to host performances from Las Vegas, while comedian and content creator Druski will join the celebration from Chicago.
Together, the hosts will help bring audiences a collection of musical performances, celebrations and countdown festivities as the country prepares to welcome 2027.
And if last year’s event is anything to go by, viewers can expect quite the celebration.
The 2026 edition of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” expanded to an impressive eight hours, making it the longest broadcast in the special’s more than 50-year history.
Featuring 42 performers and four live countdown celebrations, the event brought together musical talent and festivities from locations including New York City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Nashville and Kansas City.
Among the performers were Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Chappell Roan, LE SSERAFIM, Zara Larsson, OneRepublic and many more.
And audiences certainly showed up for the occasion.
According to the reported television ratings, approximately 30 million viewers were watching as the clock struck midnight and 2025 officially became 2026, marking the special’s strongest ratings in four years.
Now, with the addition of Disney+, the celebration will become accessible to another group of viewers who prefer streaming their entertainment rather than watching through traditional television.
It’s an interesting development, particularly as more families turn to streaming platforms for their favorite programs, seasonal specials and live events.
For households already using Disney+ to enjoy animated favorites, movies and other entertainment, the addition of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” provides another way to participate in a familiar annual tradition without switching to a separate television service.
Of course, families planning to watch with younger children may want to keep in mind that the live celebration features a variety of musical performances and entertainment intended for a broad audience.
Additional details about the 2027 event, including its musical performers, have not yet been announced.
But with Seacrest, Ora and the returning hosts already confirmed, preparations are underway for another night of music, celebration and the excitement of welcoming a brand-new year.
And whether you’re watching on ABC or streaming on Disney+, the magic of the occasion remains much the same.
Because there’s something special about gathering together, counting down those final seconds and sharing the excitement of a fresh beginning.
So get those party hats ready, prepare the sparkling cider and start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2027” will air live on ABC and Disney+ on December 31, 2026.
And before we know it, it’ll be time to count down to another year of memories, adventures and possibilities.
Three, two, one… Happy New Year!