Two of broadcast television’s largest events are not confined to primetime, instead framing the calendar year. ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” kicked off 2025 with record-breaking viewership, while NBC’s 99th “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” celebrated another successful outing last month.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which has become a staple as viewers ring in the new year, peaked at 29 million viewers right at midnight on January 1, 2025. The event has grown into an all-night celebration, blending primetime and late-night entertainment, with exciting plans for 2026 that include a live countdown from Chicago led by Diana Ross. The broadcast, airing from 11:30 p.m. ET to 1:09 a.m., averaged 17.9 million viewers, achieving a remarkable 4.73 rating among adults aged 18-49. At the stroke of midnight, viewership surged to 21.5 million, with a stellar 5.70 rating in the key demographic.
This year’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve maintained its position as the leading New Year’s Eve program, attracting an audience 2.5 times larger than its closest competitor, CBS’ “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.” It ranked as ABC’s most-watched entertainment telecast since the Oscars in 2024.
The viewing landscape continued to shine with several notable broadcast TV events throughout the year. The Golden Globes, held on January 5, saw an average of 10.23 million viewers on CBS, marking its return to the top 100 primetime telecasts since 2020. Hosted by Nikki Glaser, the Globes also saw a 5 percent increase in viewers aged 25-54.
The Grammys on February 2 attracted 16.87 million viewers on CBS, which, while a decrease from 2024, was still higher than previous years, showcasing the resilience of interest in live award shows. Particularly focused on fundraising efforts for victims of the Los Angeles fires, the event raised over $25 million, with critics praising it as one of the best in years.
Notable mentions include the 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 2, which garnered 20.99 million viewers, an increase from the previous year, and the 30th anniversary special of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which averaged 7.49 million viewers on November 24.
The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, held on November 27, pulled in an impressive 26.67 million viewers and a 6.28 rating, maintaining its status as the number one special of the year across all broadcasts.
These events illustrate the enduring appeal of traditional television viewing, particularly during significant cultural moments. As we look ahead, the ability of these productions to draw in millions highlights their place in the fabric of American entertainment, providing joy and connection as families gather to celebrate.