If you need proof that Dick Clark still rules New Year’s Eve, here it is. On New Year’s Eve, ABC is devoting its entire prime-time and late-night schedule to Clark and his various specials that have greeted new years over the past four decades. The evening kicks off with “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party” (8 to 10 p.m. EST Dec. 31).
Jenny McCarthy and Fergie recollect how the fashion and music have changed vastly in 40 years, but the merrymaking is still the same.
Moving onward to the present, “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” at 10 p.m., features Clark with Seacrest in Times Square. Musical guests range from Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber to The Band Perry.
The “Rockin’ ” party will continue through 2:13 a.m. (Why it ends exactly 2:13 a.m. is never really explained. Maybe Clark turns into a pumpkin at 2:14 a.m.?)
Clark doesn’t have the monopoly on the celebrating. Other offerings include “American Country New Year’s Live” (11 p.m. Dec. 31, Fox). The special, which comes from Las Vegas, has performances from Lauren Alaina (“American Idol”) and Rodney Akins.
Rock band Coldplay will headline “Austin City Limits” as a new-year special (11 p.m. Dec. 31, PBS), and Carson Daly will be on hand, representing NBC, with his annual special from New York City (10 p.m. Dec. 31).
