Yes, you can watch the Times Square ball drop on Paramount Plus on New Year's Eve
Paramount Plus carries Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, the annual broadcast that shows the Times Square ball drop live. The show airs on ABC, and Paramount Plus streams it at the same time as the television broadcast. You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to watch — the stream is not available to free-tier users.
The broadcast typically begins in the evening on December 31st and runs past midnight into January 1st. The exact start time varies by year, but it is usually around 8 p.m. Eastern time. The ball drop itself happens at midnight Eastern time, and Paramount Plus shows it live.
You can watch on any device that supports the Paramount Plus app: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, and gaming consoles. The stream quality depends on your internet connection and the device you are using.
Key Takeaways
- Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve streams live on Paramount Plus on December 31st, including the Times Square ball drop at midnight.
- You must have a paid Paramount Plus subscription; the stream is not available on the free ad-supported tier.
- The broadcast starts in the evening (usually around 8 p.m. Eastern) and continues past midnight.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, and gaming consoles using the Paramount Plus app.
What to expect from the broadcast
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve is a multi-hour show that includes live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and countdown segments leading up to the ball drop. The Times Square ball drop is the centerpiece — a crystal-covered sphere that descends 70 feet down a pole as the clock strikes midnight. The broadcast shows it from multiple camera angles.
The show also covers New Year's celebrations in other cities and time zones. You will see performances from artists, interviews with celebrities in Times Square, and crowd reactions. The production is designed to fill the hours between evening and midnight, so there is content throughout, not just at the final moment.
How to find the show on Paramount Plus
On the Paramount Plus app or website, search for "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" or look in the Live TV section if your subscription tier includes it. The show appears in the app's schedule as the date approaches. On December 31st, it will be prominently featured on the home screen.
If you have a Paramount Plus subscription that includes live TV (the higher-tier plans), you can also tune in through the live TV guide. The exact navigation depends on which device you are using, but the search function is the fastest way to find it on any platform.
Subscription tiers and what you need
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription options: an ad-supported tier and an ad-free tier. Both tiers include access to live TV content, which is where Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve streams. The difference is that the ad-supported version shows commercials during the broadcast, while the ad-free version does not.
If you already have a Paramount Plus subscription for other content, you can watch the ball drop with your current plan. You do not need to upgrade or add anything. If you do not have a subscription, you would need to sign up before December 31st to watch the broadcast.
Streaming quality and internet requirements
Paramount Plus recommends a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K, depending on your device and subscription tier. On New Year's Eve, streaming services experience higher traffic as millions of people watch simultaneously, so your connection speed matters more than usual.
If you experience buffering or lag during the broadcast, try moving closer to your router, closing other apps that use internet, or lowering the video quality in the Paramount Plus settings. Testing your connection a day or two before December 31st can help you spot problems early.
Alternatives if you cannot watch on Paramount Plus
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve also airs on ABC, so you can watch it on cable or antenna television if you have access to that channel. Some cable and satellite providers also offer the ABC broadcast through their apps or websites, even if you do not have Paramount Plus.
If you are outside the United States or have other restrictions, check whether Paramount Plus is available in your region. International streaming availability varies, and some countries may not carry the broadcast through Paramount Plus or may have different programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid subscription or can I watch for free?
You need a paid Paramount Plus subscription. The free ad-supported tier does not include access to live TV content like Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. Both paid tiers (ad-supported and ad-free) include live TV and the ball drop broadcast.
What time does the ball drop?
The Times Square ball drops at midnight Eastern time on January 1st. The broadcast begins earlier in the evening (usually around 8 p.m. Eastern) and continues through the drop and into the early morning hours of January 1st.
Can I watch on my phone or do I need a TV?
You can watch on any device with the Paramount Plus app, including phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. The app works on iOS and Android phones, so you can watch on your phone if you prefer, though a larger screen is more enjoyable for a multi-hour broadcast.
What if the stream keeps buffering?
Check your internet speed and close other apps using your connection. Move closer to your router if you are on Wi-Fi. You can also lower the video quality in Paramount Plus settings to reduce buffering. Test your connection a day or two before December 31st to catch problems early.
Is Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve only on Paramount Plus?
No, it also airs on ABC television. If you have cable or antenna access to ABC, you can watch the broadcast there. Some cable and satellite providers also stream ABC through their apps, so check your provider's options if you do not have Paramount Plus.