How to stream the ball drop on New Year’s Eve live for free

New year, same dynamic duo.

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are back for CNN’s fan-favorite New Year’s Eve broadcast this year, reporting live from Times Square — and no doubt creating plenty of viral moments in the process.

While the network instated a brief booze ban in 2022, Cohen confirmed on “WWHL” recently that they “will be drinking” again while ringing in 2026. (“It’s my job to get Anderson drunk,” he quipped.)

Read on for everything you need to know to catch all the performances, commentary and comedy from this year’s broadcast.

What time is ‘New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen’ on CNN?

The pair’s annual New Year’s Eve special starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31, 2025 on CNN, and typically ends around 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.

How to watch and stream ‘New Year’s Eve Live for free

No cable? No problem. Cord-cutters can catch all the action with a live TV streaming service like DirecTV Stream, one of our favorite options. It offers a five-day free trial (and access to entertainment channels like Bravo and E!).

Sling TV also offers one- and four-day live TV passes starting at just $4.99, both of which include CNN.

Who is performing on ‘New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen’?

In addition to Cohen and Cooper, this year’s show also features performances from Florence + the Machine, Shakira, Robyn, Raye, Patti Labelle, Michelle Williams, Aloe Blacc, Bandi Carlisle and more. Plus, special appearances from comedians including B.J. Novak and Sarah Sherman.

How to watch other New Year’s Eve broadcasts

In addition to Cooper and Cohen’s CNN show, the airwaves are filled with other star-studded specials tonight — all of which you can catch live with a free-trial of DirecTV Stream or a pass for Sling TV.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 on ABC
• Performers include: Chappell Roan, Charlie Puth, Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, Ciara, Post Malone, Zara Larsson, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, Maren Morris and more

A Toast to 2025 with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Dec. 31 on ABC (and streaming live on Peacock)
• Guests include: Ethan Stater, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Gaffigan, David Alan Grier and more

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 on CBS
• Performers include: Bailey Zimmerman, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Meghan Moroney, Zach Top and more

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