What is the name of the annual American television special that traditionally begins with Dick Clark's name?

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The annual American television special traditionally associated with Dick Clark is Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

The program began broadcasting in 1972, created as an alternative to Guy Lombardo's long-running New Year's Eve broadcasts. Dick Clark hosted the show for decades and made the Times Square countdown a central television tradition for American audiences.

After Clark's death in 2012, Ryan Seacrest became the primary host, while the program retained Clark's name. The broadcast combines live music, performances, celebrity appearances, and coverage of the Times Square ball drop.

The title is sometimes shortened informally to New Year's Rockin' Eve, but the full title identifies the program. It should not be confused with separate New Year's Eve specials on other American networks, which may also show midnight celebrations.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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