The 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square has officially concluded, but for millions globally, the viewing experience is just beginning. Whether you missed the live countdown or simply wish to relive the spectacular performances, the broadcast is now available across multiple on-demand platforms.

Furthermore, 2026 introduces a historic twist: a second scheduled Ball Drop this summer. Below is your complete guide to streaming the January 1st replays and preparing for the upcoming July event.

The Best Platforms for Full Replays

Major networks have fragmented the broadcasting rights this year, meaning your viewing option depends on the specific entertainment you are looking for.

Hulu: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve The industry standard for New Year’s programming remains available on Hulu. If you missed the headline performances by Diana Ross or the hosting of Ryan Seacrest, this is your primary destination.

• Availability: The full 5-hour broadcast is listed under “Specials” on Hulu.
• Key Segments: Viewers can scrub directly to the “West Coast” segments for alternative performances or fast-forward to the final 11:55 PM EST buildup.

CNN All Access: The Unscripted Experience For those preferring the candid, unscripted dynamic of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, CNN has migrated its archival footage to the CNN All Access platform. This feed includes the viral interviews and the chaotic energy that has become a staple of modern New Year’s Eve television. Note that this requires an active subscription or cable login.

Free Streaming Options (No Subscription Required)

You do not need a paid subscription to experience the raw energy of Times Square. Several official outlets provide commercial-free access to the event recordings.

YouTube: The Official Webcast The Times Square Alliance maintains an official YouTube channel (TimesSquareNYC) which hosts the “raw” webcast.

• Why Watch This: Unlike network TV, this feed does not cut away to commercial breaks or studio segments. It remains focused on the crowd energy, the “Atmosphere” cams, and the ball itself.
• Host: The 2026 webcast was hosted by Jonathan Bennett, providing a seamless, music-focused experience.

Social Media Highlights For quick consumption, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are currently aggregating high-definition clips under the hashtags #BallDrop2026 and #TimesSquare. This is the most efficient way to view specific 30-second viral moments without scrubbing through hours of footage.

Optimizing Your Viewing Experience

While mobile devices offer convenience, the production quality of the 2026 broadcast warrants a larger screen. The event was captured in 4K HDR, specifically to highlight the new “Bowtie” crystal pattern on the Waterford Ball.

To truly appreciate these visual details, we recommend casting the replay to a Smart TV. Modern OLED or QLED panels can accurately render the high-contrast lighting of Times Square, whereas mobile screens often compress the image, losing the intricate sparkle of the crystals and the depth of the pyrotechnics.

Mark Your Calendar: The Second Ball Drop (July 3, 2026)

The most significant takeaway from the 2026 broadcast was the announcement of a summer encore. At 12:04 AM, the ball was re-lit in patriotic colors to signal the start of America250—the semi-quincentennial of the United States.

The July 3rd Event For the first time in history, the Times Square Ball will drop in the summer.

• Date: July 3, 2026.
• Purpose: To kick off the Independence Day weekend and the 250th anniversary year.
• Streaming: The digital infrastructure used for the New Year’s Eve stream (including the official YouTube channels and Hulu live feeds) is expected to be reactivated for this event.

Behind the Scenes: The Engineering Feat

Delivering a glitch-free stream from the heart of Manhattan is a massive logistical challenge. It requires a specialized form of Outdoor Broadcasting designed to withstand winter elements and urban interference.

Production crews utilize a redundant system of fiber optic cables running beneath the streets and wireless RF cameras to capture crowd reactions. This ensures that even if satellite connections are disrupted by weather, the 4K signal reaches global audiences without latency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch the Ball Drop replay for free? Yes. The official TimesSquareNYC YouTube channel offers the full commercial-free webcast globally without a subscription.

Why was there a second countdown after midnight? The 12:04 AM countdown marked the official launch of the America250 campaign, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Is the July 3, 2026 event confirmed? Yes. The Times Square Alliance has confirmed a “Summer Drop” to anchor the Independence Day festivities.

Do I need a cable provider to watch CNN’s replay? Generally, yes. Accessing the CNN archive typically requires a “TV Everywhere” authentication or a direct subscription to their digital service.