Ryan Seacrest Returns to headline Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026, as ABC and Dick Clark Productions have confirmed the full hosting lineup for this year’s broadcast. The annual event will air live on Tuesday, December 31, with celebrations spread across multiple major U.S. cities. Seacrest will again anchor the Times Square ball drop alongside co-host Rita Ora in New York. Several new hosts join the national broadcast as the special continues its run as America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve program. The expanded lineup signals another high-energy countdown as viewers welcome 2026.
ABC has announced that Ryan Seacrest Returns to lead the Times Square coverage for the 19th consecutive year. The broadcast will begin on December 31 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Rita Ora will serve as Seacrest’s co-host in New York, guiding the central countdown and iconic ball drop.
The 2026 special brings major additions to its expanding national footprint. Chance the Rapper will host the Chicago segment from his hometown, marking his debut as part of the nationwide telecast. In Las Vegas, Julianne Hough will make her co-hosting debut alongside former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, forming one of the most high-profile duos the show has featured. ABC also confirmed that full details for an upcoming Puerto Rico celebration will be released in the coming weeks.
The broadcast’s multi-city format continues to highlight New Year’s traditions across the country, giving viewers a coast-to-coast look at regional celebrations. While the full performance lineup has not yet been released, ABC stated that artist announcements are expected shortly.
Quotes & Analyst Reactions
Analysts note that the decision for Ryan Seacrest Returns to anchor the Times Square stage again underscores ABC’s strategy of relying on a proven, stable host during one of television’s biggest nights of the year. Industry observers point out that Seacrest’s presence has consistently driven ratings and audience familiarity for nearly two decades.
Broadcast analysts also view the additions of Chance the Rapper, Julianne Hough, and Rob Gronkowski as a targeted effort to engage younger and more diverse demographics. “These new pairings tap into music, sports, and entertainment audiences simultaneously,” one TV analyst said. “It helps the broadcast expand reach while keeping the Times Square core intact.”
ABC executives praised the lineup in internal releases, calling the 2026 hosting team “the most dynamic and widespread in the program’s recent history.”
What It Means for the Broadcast Landscape
The announcement of Ryan Seacrest Returns, along with new celebrity co-hosts in major U.S. cities, strengthens the broadcast’s position against competing New Year’s Eve programs. Historically, the special has dominated holiday viewership, and analysts expect the expanded lineup to broaden its national impact.
The multi-city structure gives the show flexibility to integrate unique cultural moments from Chicago, Las Vegas, Times Square, and the upcoming Puerto Rico segment. This geographical variety increases audience engagement and allows ABC to cater to regional audiences.
Additionally, by adding first-time hosts with established fanbases, ABC is increasing social media traction heading into the broadcast. Chance the Rapper and Julianne Hough both bring significant digital audiences, while Gronkowski contributes crossover appeal between sports and entertainment viewers.
Upcoming Announcements
With Ryan Seacrest Returns as the lead host, the next major update will be ABC’s reveal of the performer lineup for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026. The network traditionally releases performer lists in early December.
Viewers can expect new artists, returning favorites, and surprise collaborations spread across the Times Square, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Puerto Rico broadcasts. ABC is also expected to announce additional celebrity correspondents for on-the-ground coverage.
In conclusion, Ryan Seacrest Returns for the 2026 broadcast marks another high-profile kickoff to the new year, supported by a refreshed hosting cast and expanded national coverage.
Sources
ESPN
247Sports
On3
ABC Press Office
Dick Clark Productions
