What Channel Does the Ball Drop Come On? Your Ultimate Guide to New Year's Eve
Hey there, party people! We know you're eager to find out where to catch the iconic ball drop on New Year's Eve. We've got you covered with this ultimate guide, so grab a snack and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what channel does the ball drop come on.
What's the Big Deal About the Ball Drop?
Before we reveal where to watch the ball drop, let's talk about why it's such a big deal. The ball drop is a New Year's Eve tradition that's been happening in Times Square, New York City, since 1907. It's a symbol of the new year, and watching the ball drop is a beloved ritual for millions of people around the world.
What Time Does the Ball Drop Happen?
The ball drop happens at the stroke of midnight, Eastern Standard Time (EST), on New Year's Eve. That's 11 PM Central Standard Time (CST), 10 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST), and 9 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). So, mark your calendars and set your alarms!
What Channel Does the Ball Drop Come On? Here's the Lowdown!
Alright, you've been patient enough. Here's where to watch the ball drop:
1. Broadcast TV
ABC
ABC has been broadcasting the ball drop since 1973, and they're not stopping now. You can catch the ball drop live on ABC, along with performances and interviews with your favorite celebrities.
NBC
NBC is another popular choice for watching the ball drop. They've been broadcasting the event since 1955, and they always have a star-studded lineup of performances.
FOX
FOX also broadcasts the ball drop, but they usually air it as part of their New Year's Eve special, which includes comedy sketches and musical performances.
CBS
CBS doesn't typically broadcast the ball drop live, but they might air a special New Year's Eve episode of one of their shows, like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which often features the ball drop as part of the episode.
2. Cable TV
CNN
CNN is a great option if you want continuous coverage of the ball drop. They usually start their New Year's Eve special early in the evening and feature interviews with celebrities, performances, and, of course, the ball drop.
FOX News
FOX News also broadcasts the ball drop, but they focus more on the news and political aspects of the event.
MTV
MTV's New Year's Eve special is a great choice if you're looking for a younger, more music-focused crowd. They usually feature live performances and interviews with popular musicians.
3. Streaming Services
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers live broadcasts of ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX, so you can watch the ball drop on any of those channels. They also have a free trial, so you can sign up and watch the ball drop without committing to a subscription.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV also offers live broadcasts of ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. They have a free trial as well, so you can watch the ball drop without paying a dime.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers live broadcasts of ABC and FOX, but you'll need to upgrade to their "Sling Blue" package to watch NBC. They don't offer CBS, but they do have a free trial, so you can still watch the ball drop on ABC and FOX without paying.
Can't Watch on TV? Here Are Some Alternatives!
If you can't watch the ball drop on TV, don't worry! There are plenty of other ways to catch the action.
1. Live Stream
Many of the channels that broadcast the ball drop also offer live streams on their websites or apps. You can usually watch these streams without a cable login, but you might need to provide some personal information.
2. Social Media
Some social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, might stream the ball drop live. You can check their pages or search for relevant hashtags, like #BallDrop or #NewYearsEve, to see if there are any live streams available.
3. YouTube
YouTube is another great place to look for live streams of the ball drop. Just search for "ball drop live stream" and you should find plenty of results.
The History of the Ball Drop
The ball drop started as a way to mark the new year in Times Square, New York City. The first ball drop happened on December 31, 1907, and it was a simple wooden ball that was dropped from the flagpole on top of the New York Times Building. The ball was only 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds.
Over the years, the ball drop has become more and more elaborate. The ball has been redesigned several times, with the current ball being a 12-foot diameter, 11,875-pound geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles. The ball is also now illuminated by 32,256 LED lights, which can create a dazzling light show as the ball descends.
Fun Facts About the Ball Drop
- The ball drop used to be made of iron, but it was changed to aluminum in 1920 to make it lighter. - The ball drop has been delayed or canceled a few times in history. In 1942 and 1943, the ball drop was canceled due to World War II blackouts. In 1965, the ball drop was delayed due to a snowstorm. - The ball drop is not the only New Year's Eve tradition in Times Square. The "New Year's Eve Ball" is actually the second ball to be dropped in Times Square. The first was a 700-pound iron ball that was used from 1907 to 1908. - The ball drop is not the only New Year's Eve tradition in the world. Other countries have their own unique traditions, like eating 12 grapes in Spain, making a wish at midnight in Mexico, or jumping into the ocean in Australia.
What to Expect During the Ball Drop
The ball drop is just one part of the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. Here's what you can expect if you're watching the ball drop live or on TV:
- Performances: There are usually live performances by popular musicians and celebrities leading up to the ball drop. These performances can range from pop and rock to country and hip-hop. - Interviews: Many of the channels that broadcast the ball drop also interview celebrities and other notable figures during the event. - Countdown: As the clock ticks down to midnight, the crowd in Times Square and the hosts on TV will lead a countdown to the ball drop. This is a great time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the new one. - The Ball Drop: Finally, the moment you've been waiting for! The ball drop itself only takes about 60 seconds, but it's a magical and memorable experience. - Fireworks: After the ball drop, there are usually fireworks displays in Times Square and other locations around the world. These fireworks are a beautiful way to start the new year.
Tips for Watching the Ball Drop
If you're watching the ball drop at home, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:
- Invite Friends: Watching the ball drop is always more fun with friends and family. Invite some people over and have a New Year's Eve party! - Serve Snacks: No party is complete without snacks. Make sure to have some appetizers and drinks on hand to keep your guests happy. - Dress Up: Even if you're just watching the ball drop at home, it's fun to dress up for the occasion. Wear something sparkly or put on a party hat! - Make Resolutions: The ball drop is a great time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the new one. Write down your New Year's resolutions and think about how you can make them a reality. - Take Photos: Don't forget to take photos of the ball drop and share them on social media. Use relevant hashtags, like #BallDrop or #NewYearsEve, so your friends can find your photos.
What If I Can't Watch the Ball Drop Live?
If you can't watch the ball drop live, don't worry! Many of the channels that broadcast the ball drop will have replays of the event available to watch online. You can also check YouTube for videos of the ball drop after it happens.
The Bottom Line
The ball drop is a beloved New Year's Eve tradition that's been happening in Times Square for over a century. Whether you're watching it live in person, on TV, or online, the ball drop is a magical and memorable way to ring in the new year. So grab some snacks, invite some friends, and get ready to watch the ball drop!
Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you have a fantastic night and an even better year ahead. See you in 2023!