New Year’s Eve is a globally celebrated occasion, marked by diverse traditions. For many in the United States, especially those opting for a cozy night in, watching the iconic ball drop in Times Square is a cherished ritual to welcome the New Year. If you’re planning to join millions from the comfort of your home to witness the ball descend as 2024 turns into 2025, you’re probably wondering: “What Channel Is The Ball Drop On?” This guide provides everything you need to know to tune in to this spectacular New Year’s Eve event.
Top TV Channels Broadcasting the Times Square Ball Drop Live
Fortunately for viewers at home, several major television networks broadcast the Times Square ball drop live as part of their extensive New Year’s Eve programming. This ensures that you have multiple options to choose from, often with different styles and entertainment lineups to suit your preferences. Here are some of the primary channels where you can reliably catch the ball drop:
- ABC: For decades, ABC has been a go-to channel for New Year’s Eve celebrations thanks to “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Continuing the tradition, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2025” will be broadcast on ABC. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora, this show is known for its high-energy performances and celebrity appearances leading up to the ball drop. Expect a star-studded lineup to keep you entertained throughout the evening.
- CNN: If you prefer a blend of news and entertainment as you count down to the New Year, CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen” is a popular choice. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen bring their signature chemistry and lively commentary to the broadcast, often featuring interviews, on-location segments from various New Year’s Eve celebrations, and musical performances. This broadcast provides a more conversational and less traditional approach to New Year’s Eve coverage.
- CBS: Country music fans and those seeking a Nashville-centric New Year’s Eve celebration can turn to CBS for “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.” Hosted by Keith Urban and Rachel Smith, this broadcast originates from Nashville, Tennessee, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene. It features live performances from country music’s biggest stars and culminates in its own countdown celebration, although many viewers still tune in to see the Times Square ball drop at the very end of the night or leading into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Performance Lineups to Expect on New Year’s Eve
Each network strives to offer compelling entertainment to keep viewers engaged throughout their New Year’s Eve broadcasts. While specific performer lineups can evolve, here’s what was anticipated for the upcoming celebrations based on prior announcements, giving you an idea of the caliber of artists to expect:
ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” typically features a wide array of pop, rock, and R&B artists. For the 2025 edition, performances were expected from artists like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, T-Pain, and Reneé Rapp, among others. This channel generally caters to a broad audience with mainstream musical tastes.
CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” often includes a mix of classic and contemporary music acts. Past broadcasts have included legendary performers, and for the 2025 celebration, viewers could anticipate performances from Sting, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Lil Jon, and 50 Cent (live from Las Vegas). CNN tends to offer a slightly more diverse musical palette.
CBS’s “Nashville’s Big Bash” is, as the name suggests, heavily focused on country music. Headliners for the previous year included Kane Brown, Keith Urban, and Jelly Roll, with appearances also expected from Shaboozey, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Post Malone. If country music is your preference, CBS is the channel to watch.
A Brief History of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The Times Square ball drop is not just a modern TV spectacle; it has a rich history dating back over a century. The tradition began in 1907, with the first ball crafted from iron and wood and illuminated by 25-watt light bulbs. This original ball was the brainchild of Jacob Starr, a young metalworker who immigrated to the United States.
With only a couple of exceptions in 1942 and 1943 due to wartime lighting restrictions in New York City, a ball has descended every year since 1907. Over the decades, the ball has undergone several transformations. Milestone versions include a 400-pound wrought iron ball in 1920, a lighter 155-pound aluminum ball introduced in 1955, and the transition to a dazzling crystal ball for the millennium celebrations in 2000.
The contemporary ball is a marvel of engineering and design. It weighs approximately 11,875 pounds and is covered in 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles. These crystals are illuminated by 32,256 LED lights, creating a breathtaking display for the millions watching in Times Square and on television. The evolution of the ball symbolizes the passing of time and the enduring appeal of this New Year’s Eve tradition.
Conclusion: Tune In and Celebrate!
As New Year’s Eve approaches, deciding “what channel is the ball drop on” is a key part of planning your celebrations at home. Whether you choose ABC for its energetic “Rockin’ Eve,” CNN for its blend of news and commentary, or CBS for a country music-filled countdown from Nashville, you have excellent options to witness the iconic ball drop. Each channel offers a unique viewing experience, ensuring that you can find the perfect broadcast to ring in the New Year in style. So, get your snacks ready, gather your loved ones, and tune in to your chosen channel to watch the ball drop and welcome the start of 2025!
