What name did the American television special Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve have when it debuted in 1972?

When it debuted in 1972, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve was titled Three Dog Night's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

The special aired on NBC on December 31, 1972, and was designed as a contemporary alternative to Guy Lombardo's long-running New Year's broadcasts. Three Dog Night was the featured musical act, which explains the original title. Dick Clark hosted the program, although the first broadcast was not yet the fully established annual format audiences later recognized.

The show moved to ABC for its second broadcast and became closely associated with the Times Square countdown. Its title was later changed to reflect Clark’s role and the program’s broader identity. Ryan Seacrest eventually became the main host and executive producer, while Clark continued appearing until shortly before his death in 2012.