As 2025 draws to a close, television networks are rolling out a star-studded lineup of specials to help viewers ring in 2026 from the comfort of their homes. From massive music celebrations in Nashville and New York to highly anticipated series finales, here is your essential guide to must-see TV this New Year's Eve.
Music City Takes Center Stage
The country music capital is hosting one of the night's biggest events. New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will be broadcast on CBS, hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star Hardy. The performance roster is packed with major names, including Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Keith Urban. The show will also feature sets from legendary acts like Brooks & Dunn and Rascal Flatts, alongside rising talents such as Megan Moroney and Zach Top.
Over on ABC, the iconic Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest returns. Seacrest will be joined by co-hosts Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough, and Rita Ora. The broadcast promises a legendary performance from pop icon Diana Ross in New York City, where she will sing a medley of her classic hits. The lineup also includes Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Charlie Puth, 50 Cent, Post Malone, and Demi Lovato.
Canadian Countdowns and Comedy Specials
Canadian viewers have a homegrown option to celebrate the arrival of 2026 across all time zones. Following a special episode of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, the CBC will present the Live Cross-Canada Countdown. The special will be led by Adrienne Arsenault, Jann Arden, Ian Hanomansing, and Andrew Phung, counting down to midnight in each of the country's six time zones.
For those preferring comedy, Netflix is offering a new stand-up special. Ricky Gervais: Mortality premieres on Tuesday, December 31st. In this brutally honest special, Gervais is expected to tackle topics like life, death, and the current state of the world with his signature uncompromising style.
Highly Anticipated Finales and Premieres
One of the most awaited television events of the season also drops as the clock strikes midnight. The series finale of Stranger Things 5 arrives on Netflix on New Year's Eve. The finale will see the Hawkins gang preparing for their ultimate battle against the villain Vecna, closing the chapter on the global streaming phenomenon.
Other notable premieres include a documentary on comedian Chevy Chase titled I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not on CNN, and the debut of the true-crime series Crime in Progress on A&E, which follows investigations from the first 911 call to the final verdict. For holiday romance fans, the W Network will air films like A Suite Holiday Romance and Single on the 25th throughout the week.
With this diverse array of programming—from live music spectacles to poignant finales—viewers have plenty of options to craft their perfect New Year's Eve television celebration.
