New Year's Eve Specials - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 12-27-2004, 01:25 AM

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D877N09G0.html

Subplots Abound for New Year's on TV

NEW YORK (AP) - Let the surfing begin. With an ailing king, two would-be successors and a ubiquitous substitute, New Year's Eve on television has more subplots than a party with three ex-girlfriends.

Dick Clark and his "New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC has been the go-to party for 32 years, but he'll be away from Times Square this Friday as he continues recovering from a stroke. Regis Philbin will fill in for him.

NBC is launching its own party show from Rockefeller Center with Carson Daly. Ryan Seacrest, in his third year for Fox, is bringing his show east to New York for the first time. Even gray-haired hipster Anderson Cooper will emcee a CNN New Year's show from Times Square with the rock band Green Day.

Both Daly and Seacrest were booked before Clark took ill, an indication of an approaching generational shift. Much like Clark took over from Guy Lombardo as television's most popular New Year's Eve host, Daly and Seacrest are jockeying to be the next in line.

"When it's time to say, 'OK, here's the show and the guy that is going to be around on New Year's Eve for years to come,' I would definitely like to be the one that the baton gets passed to," Seacrest said.

Don't expect Clark, health permitting, and ABC to give it up easily. "New Year's Rockin' Eve" is annually ABC's second most popular entertainment special after the Oscars.

"There's never been anything to put a dent in it," said Andrea Wong, ABC's senior vice president for alternative series and specials. "There continues to be a huge appetite for the show."

Even in his mid-70s, as he introduces artists young enough to be his grandchildren, Clark's perpetual teenage image has kept the fogey factor at bay. In recent years, he's brought on a younger co-host from Hollywood, a role filled this week by Ashlee Simpson.

The ABC New Year's Eve special will run three and a half hours, starting at 10 p.m. EDT, breaking after an hour for local news and returning from 11:35 p.m. to 2:05 a.m. Besides Simpson, performers include Big & Rich; Ciara; Earth, Wind & Fire; Fabolous; Kenny G; Billy Idol; Los Lonely Boys and Simple Plan.

Philbin, who's yet to find a TV job he can't do, was Clark's choice, Wong said. Between that endorsement and Philbin's own popularity, ABC doesn't expect to relinquish its crown.

Daly and Seacrest are both big fans of Clark. They've used his career as a model, and speak of him ever-so-respectfully.

But is that the sound of a door creaking open?

"Things could perhaps be up in the air now in light of the recent circumstances, the unfortunate circumstances with Dick," Seacrest said. "They had to put Regis in at the last minute, and I'm not quite sure what that show will be like or feel like without Dick Clark. He certainly will be missed by America."

"It really won't feel the same without him in Times Square," he said.

Seacrest, now a radio host of "America's Top 40," will run his show (airing from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET) like a countdown. Not only will the year's best songs be played, he'll incorporate pop culture lists like the top five bitter breakups of the year. It's his first year as executive producer, and Seacrest is looking for ways to make the show distinctive.

Hoobastank and Evanescence will perform, and the show will include the world premiere of a 20-minute Usher video featuring four of his hits.

Usher fans may be delirious, but there's a danger others could see that time as a huge indulgence. But Seacrest points out it will happen after midnight, when many people stop paying attention to these shows or can't see straight anyway.

Daly spent five years as host of MTV's New Year's Eve party (which, by the way, has Lindsay Lohan as host this year) before taking last year off. He has re-emerged to inaugurate NBC's pre-party, which airs from 10 to 11 p.m. Jay Leno will have a live "Tonight" show when the Times Square ball drops.

If Daly is disappointed at leaving the air an hour before midnight, he's not letting on.

"I didn't really look past the fact that they said 'you'll be on the air live from 10 to 11 and here's the money,'" he said. "Maybe next year."

He wants the chance to establish himself as a potential New Year's Eve franchise for NBC.

"This is not about me trying to steal something from Dick Clark," he said.

His show will feature performances by Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5 and Duran Duran. Ever the good corporate soldier, Daly will also include a guest shot by "The Apprentice" star Donald Trump via satellite from Trump's own New Year's party in Florida and an appearance by "Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams.

(CBS, by the way, is essentially punting on New Year's Eve, running a prime-time lineup of reruns and a repeat "Late Show" with David Letterman.)

The closest Daly comes to trash talking with his rivals is calling Duran Duran a bigger act than "White Wedding" singer Idol, who's on ABC.

"There will be something younger and, in my opinion, a little cooler to watch that night," he said.

Cool. That's the territory that Fox and Seacrest is also trying to stake out.

Could a New Year's duel be far behind?

Since Seacrest will be in Times Square and Daly a few blocks away in Rockefeller Center, perhaps they could duke it out somewhere in the middle - say, Sixth Avenue.

"He's much taller and a little bit bigger than me," Seacrest said. "I think he'd probably be able to beat me up."

dawsongirl · 12-27-2004, 01:40 AM

Ryan and Carson are our future, huh? Maybe I'll start drinking.

Jrnygrl · 12-27-2004, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dawsongirl
Ryan and Carson are our future, huh? Maybe I'll start drinking.

Brian Damage · 12-27-2004, 02:03 AM

Dick Clark is a New Year's institution. I don't like Seacrest or Daly as "replacements." What about someone like Conan O'Brien?

Hollow · 12-27-2004, 02:06 AM

eye'm getting a n00 years card from crystal.

vienna waits · 12-27-2004, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Damage
Dick Clark is a New Year's institution. I don't like Seacrest or Daly as "replacements." What about someone like Conan O'Brien?

the article says that Regis is replacing Dick Clark. Seacrest and Daly are on other stations.

Brian Damage · 12-27-2004, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Idol Fanatic
the article says that Regis is replacing Dick Clark. Seacrest and Daly are on other stations.

I know that Regis is replacing Clark, but it kind of hints that Seacrest and Daly are being pushed as possible replacements for Clark once he retires. I think both choices stink.

Brent88 · 12-27-2004, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Damage
I know that Regis is replacing Clark, but it kind of hints that Seacrest and Daly are being pushed as possible replacements for Clark once he retires. I think both choices stink.

Me too.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 12-27-2004, 03:48 PM

Whatever this world is coming to an end.

I just countdown anyway. Last year I was scared because my sister wanted to watch MTV er something for Good Charlotte and then Hilary Duff was there and I shat myself.

Janet McFarland · 12-27-2004, 04:04 PM

I'll probably watch good ol' Regis. He's better than Carson and Ryan, that's for sure

vienna waits · 12-27-2004, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent88
Me too.

Brian Damage · 12-27-2004, 04:38 PM

Don't hate because we don't like Seacrest and Daly.

spunkygirl · 12-27-2004, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Damage
I know that Regis is replacing Clark, but it kind of hints that Seacrest and Daly are being pushed as possible replacements for Clark once he retires. I think both choices stink.

Geez sounds like they're already looking for ways to get rid of Dick

Brent88 · 12-27-2004, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lola Dane
Geez sounds like they're already looking for ways to get rid of Dick

It's just not New Year's Eve without him.

Hollow · 12-27-2004, 06:08 PM

i personally wouldn't care about any of this to save my life. why does anyone give a **** whether carson daly or ryan seacrest or martha stewart or adolf hitler or batman is the host. CBS/BHC for all.

12-27-2004, 01:25 AM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,389	New Year's Eve Specials http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D877N09G0.html Subplots Abound for New Year's on TV NEW YORK (AP) - Let the surfing begin. With an ailing king, two would-be successors and a ubiquitous substitute, New Year's Eve on television has more subplots than a party with three ex-girlfriends. Dick Clark and his "New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC has been the go-to party for 32 years, but he'll be away from Times Square this Friday as he continues recovering from a stroke. Regis Philbin will fill in for him. NBC is launching its own party show from Rockefeller Center with Carson Daly. Ryan Seacrest, in his third year for Fox, is bringing his show east to New York for the first time. Even gray-haired hipster Anderson Cooper will emcee a CNN New Year's show from Times Square with the rock band Green Day. Both Daly and Seacrest were booked before Clark took ill, an indication of an approaching generational shift. Much like Clark took over from Guy Lombardo as television's most popular New Year's Eve host, Daly and Seacrest are jockeying to be the next in line. "When it's time to say, 'OK, here's the show and the guy that is going to be around on New Year's Eve for years to come,' I would definitely like to be the one that the baton gets passed to," Seacrest said. Don't expect Clark, health permitting, and ABC to give it up easily. "New Year's Rockin' Eve" is annually ABC's second most popular entertainment special after the Oscars. "There's never been anything to put a dent in it," said Andrea Wong, ABC's senior vice president for alternative series and specials. "There continues to be a huge appetite for the show." Even in his mid-70s, as he introduces artists young enough to be his grandchildren, Clark's perpetual teenage image has kept the fogey factor at bay. In recent years, he's brought on a younger co-host from Hollywood, a role filled this week by Ashlee Simpson. The ABC New Year's Eve special will run three and a half hours, starting at 10 p.m. EDT, breaking after an hour for local news and returning from 11:35 p.m. to 2:05 a.m. Besides Simpson, performers include Big & Rich; Ciara; Earth, Wind & Fire; Fabolous; Kenny G; Billy Idol; Los Lonely Boys and Simple Plan. Philbin, who's yet to find a TV job he can't do, was Clark's choice, Wong said. Between that endorsement and Philbin's own popularity, ABC doesn't expect to relinquish its crown. Daly and Seacrest are both big fans of Clark. They've used his career as a model, and speak of him ever-so-respectfully. But is that the sound of a door creaking open? "Things could perhaps be up in the air now in light of the recent circumstances, the unfortunate circumstances with Dick," Seacrest said. "They had to put Regis in at the last minute, and I'm not quite sure what that show will be like or feel like without Dick Clark. He certainly will be missed by America." "It really won't feel the same without him in Times Square," he said. Seacrest, now a radio host of "America's Top 40," will run his show (airing from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET) like a countdown. Not only will the year's best songs be played, he'll incorporate pop culture lists like the top five bitter breakups of the year. It's his first year as executive producer, and Seacrest is looking for ways to make the show distinctive. Hoobastank and Evanescence will perform, and the show will include the world premiere of a 20-minute Usher video featuring four of his hits. Usher fans may be delirious, but there's a danger others could see that time as a huge indulgence. But Seacrest points out it will happen after midnight, when many people stop paying attention to these shows or can't see straight anyway. Daly spent five years as host of MTV's New Year's Eve party (which, by the way, has Lindsay Lohan as host this year) before taking last year off. He has re-emerged to inaugurate NBC's pre-party, which airs from 10 to 11 p.m. Jay Leno will have a live "Tonight" show when the Times Square ball drops. If Daly is disappointed at leaving the air an hour before midnight, he's not letting on. "I didn't really look past the fact that they said 'you'll be on the air live from 10 to 11 and here's the money,'" he said. "Maybe next year." He wants the chance to establish himself as a potential New Year's Eve franchise for NBC. "This is not about me trying to steal something from Dick Clark," he said. His show will feature performances by Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5 and Duran Duran. Ever the good corporate soldier, Daly will also include a guest shot by "The Apprentice" star Donald Trump via satellite from Trump's own New Year's party in Florida and an appearance by "Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams. (CBS, by the way, is essentially punting on New Year's Eve, running a prime-time lineup of reruns and a repeat "Late Show" with David Letterman.) The closest Daly comes to trash talking with his rivals is calling Duran Duran a bigger act than "White Wedding" singer Idol, who's on ABC. "There will be something younger and, in my opinion, a little cooler to watch that night," he said. Cool. That's the territory that Fox and Seacrest is also trying to stake out. Could a New Year's duel be far behind? Since Seacrest will be in Times Square and Daly a few blocks away in Rockefeller Center, perhaps they could duke it out somewhere in the middle - say, Sixth Avenue. "He's much taller and a little bit bigger than me," Seacrest said. "I think he'd probably be able to beat me up."

12-27-2004, 02:03 AM	#4
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	Dick Clark is a New Year's institution. I don't like Seacrest or Daly as "replacements." What about someone like Conan O'Brien?
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-27-2004, 03:48 PM	#9
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	Whatever this world is coming to an end. I just countdown anyway. Last year I was scared because my sister wanted to watch MTV er something for Good Charlotte and then Hilary Duff was there and I shat myself.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

12-27-2004, 01:40 AM	#2
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,128	Ryan and Carson are our future, huh? Maybe I'll start drinking.

12-27-2004, 02:06 AM	#5
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	eye'm getting a n00 years card from crystal.

12-27-2004, 04:04 PM	#10
Janet McFarland Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 09, 2004 Posts: 4,344	I'll probably watch good ol' Regis. He's better than Carson and Ryan, that's for sure

12-27-2004, 04:38 PM	#12
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	Don't hate because we don't like Seacrest and Daly.

12-27-2004, 06:08 PM	#15
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	i personally wouldn't care about any of this to save my life. why does anyone give a **** whether carson daly or ryan seacrest or martha stewart or adolf hitler or batman is the host. CBS/BHC for all.