Which television special, first broadcast in 1972, became an annual American New Year's Eve tradition?

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve first aired in 1972 and became an annual American New Year's Eve tradition.

The program was created as an alternative to Guy Lombardo's long-running New Year's broadcasts. Dick Clark hosted the first edition, which was titled Three Dog Night's New Year's Rockin' Eve, and later editions placed greater emphasis on Clark as the show's central presenter.

The special combines live or recorded musical performances with coverage of the midnight celebration in Times Square. After Clark suffered a stroke in 2004, Ryan Seacrest increasingly took on hosting duties, later becoming the principal host. Clark continued appearing when possible until his death in 2012.

The program's title has changed slightly over time, including a period when Clark's name was absent. Its long run helped make televised pop performances and a nationally shared countdown a standard part of American New Year's Eve.