2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the New Year’s Eve tradition, created by the late American Bandstand host. To celebrate this milestone, the show will be broadcasting live from four locations for the first time.
The usual New York City, Los Angeles and New Orleans shows are going ahead (COVID-permitting), but for the first time, the Rockin’ Eve special will broadcast from San Juan, Puerto Rico, a city celebrating its 500th anniversary. This will also be the first time the show is broadcast in Spanish.
How to watch New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2022
The special will start airing on Friday, December 31 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The network will also be offering a live stream allowing people to watch the special online. To access this, viewers have to go to the ABC app and log in with their TV provider or the details of their online cable alternative like YouTube TV or Hulu Plus Live TV.
Four cities means four different time zones. The first of the four locations to reach midnight will be Puerto Rico. As the island is on Atlantic Standard Time, it will enter 2022 at 11 p.m. ET.
Roselyn Sánchez will be hosting from San Juan. In a statement, ABC said of this section: “The special bolsters Puerto Rico’s own monumental year as the capital city of San Juan celebrates its 500th anniversary and continues its world-renowned spirited holiday season. [It’s] a time of year that vividly reflects the Island’s vibrant culture, food, dance, and music through local festivals and celebrations.”
Next will be the New York City ball drop at midnight ET, hosted by Seacrest for his 17th year. Joining him will be YouTuber Liza Koshy, who was just eight years old when Seacrest began this hosting gig.
“It’s been a privilege to spend the last 17 years ringing in the new year on Times Square with friends in person and at home. I’m looking forward to continuing the traditions and making new memories as we go into this next chapter,” said Seacrest in a statement.
New Orleans will be the penultimate Rockin’ Eve city to hit midnight, at 1 a.m. ET. This Louisiana portion of the evening is hosted by Glee actor Billy Porter. He will be performing a medley of hits.
The fourth and final city to move into January 1 will be Los Angeles at 3 a.m. ET. That leg of coverage will be hosted by Ciara.
