The first edition of the special, known as New Year's Eve with Carson Daly, premiered for New Year's Eve 2004–05. Discussing the special, Daly said that New Year's Eve with Carson Daly would be "a little smarter than MTV, yet cooler than Dick Clark".
NBC kicks off the new year with a star-studded lineup of musical guests for an evening of holiday fun. Carson Daly return to host NBC's New Year's Eve special live from the heart of Times Square. Joining Daly as co-hosts is Amber Ruffin and Stephen "tWitch" Boss. The broadcast features performances from across the country by AJR, Busta Rhymes featuring Anderson .Paak, Chloe x Halle, CNCO, Jason Derulo, Goo Goo Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Pentatonix, Bebe Rexha featuring Doja Cat, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Sting featuring Shirazee.
