Which American television special first aired in 1972 as “Three Dog Night's New Year's Rockin' Eve”?

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is the American television special that first aired in 1972 as “Three Dog Night’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

The original broadcast aired on December 31, 1972, and was hosted by Dick Clark. It was created as a contemporary alternative to Guy Lombardo’s long-running New Year’s Eve broadcasts, which emphasized big-band music and ballroom performance. The new program focused on popular music and the Times Square celebration.

The second edition, broadcast for the arrival of 1974, used the title “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Clark hosted the program for decades and became closely identified with the American televised countdown. After his death in 2012, Ryan Seacrest became the principal host.

The show has changed hosts, performers, and branding over time, but its central format remains live music followed by the Times Square ball drop.