As the world rang in 2025, millions tuned in to celebrate New Year’s Eve with live broadcasts offering everything from star-studded performances in Times Square to Nashville’s country charm. ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest maintained its reign as the most-watched program of the night, while CNN topped the cable rankings during the midnight countdown.
ABC’s Record of Excellence Continues
ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve once again set the standard for New Year’s Eve programming. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora live from Times Square, the broadcast captivated audiences throughout its primetime and late-night segments.
- Primetime Success: The early segment averaged 6.2 million viewers from 8-10 p.m., climbing to 9.5 million between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. as anticipation for the ball drop grew.
- Midnight Peak: The late-night segment peaked with 21.5 million viewers during the final moments of 2024, averaging 17.9 million overall, matching last year’s strong performance.
This continued success highlights the show’s ability to bring people together for the iconic Times Square ball drop, a tradition cherished by millions.
CBS Adds a Country Flair
For fans of country music, CBS’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash provided a lively alternative. Hosted by Rachel Smith and Keith Urban, the Nashville-based special featured music and energy that reflected the city’s vibrant culture.
Viewership grew steadily throughout the night:
- 4.9 million tuned in from 8-10 p.m.
- 5.7 million joined from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.
- 6.9 million watched during the midnight celebration.
While this year’s numbers dipped slightly compared to last year’s NFL-boosted broadcast, the show remains a standout for its unique appeal.
CNN’s Midnight Moment
On cable, CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen delivered its trademark mix of humor and camaraderie, resonating with viewers looking for a lighter, more conversational tone. The program attracted 3.7 million viewers during the midnight window, leading cable ratings at that time.
Over the course of the evening, CNN averaged:
- 1.9 million viewers from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- 3 million viewers from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, the network’s streaming platform, CNN Max, recorded its fourth-best day on record, reinforcing its growing popularity during marquee events.
A Night of Festive Variety
New Year’s Eve television remains a staple of the holiday, offering audiences a variety of ways to celebrate. Whether viewers preferred ABC’s glitzy Times Square festivities, CBS’s country showcase, or CNN’s lighthearted cable countdown, there was no shortage of entertainment to ring in 2025.
With its consistent ability to draw millions, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve once again proved its staying power as the definitive New Year’s Eve broadcast.
For more entertainment news and ratings insights, keep checking Trevor Decker News!
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