Which American television special, first broadcast in 1972, was created by Dick Clark for New Year's Eve?

New Year’s Rockin’ Eve was the American television special created by Dick Clark for New Year’s Eve.

The program first aired on December 31, 1972, as Three Dog Night’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, with Dick Clark serving as host. It was designed as a contemporary alternative to Guy Lombardo’s more traditional New Year’s broadcasts and emphasized popular music and a youthful atmosphere.

The title changed as the program evolved, eventually becoming Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Clark hosted the show for decades and made its Times Square coverage a central part of American New Year’s television. After his death in 2012, Ryan Seacrest became the principal host, while the Dick Clark name remained in the title.

The special is separate from the physical Times Square Ball Drop, although television coverage commonly presents both together. The broadcast has also expanded beyond New York with performances and reports from other cities.