New Year’s Eve is here, and if you're planning a relaxing night at home, whether with loved ones or close friends, the television is your perfect companion to keep the festive spirit alive. The chatter from lively hosts will fill the inevitable silences that could lead to introspective musings about life and the future – a subtle remedy for those existential jitters!

As the clock approaches midnight, a spectacular show of fireworks is essential, especially if you're hosting a larger gathering. Without a shared screen, guests often find themselves counting down on their phones, leading to hilariously chaotic moments.

A Nostalgic Tradition

Traditions vary greatly when it comes to celebrating the New Year on screen. Many remember the nostalgia of childhood, where humor reigned supreme as local comedians reflected on the year's events. For instance, in Montreal during the '80s and '90s, the New Year was often heralded by a comedic recap of the past twelve months. Fans of francophone television gathered for Radio-Canada’s "Bye Bye," while the English-speaking crowd enjoyed “Royal Canadian Air Farce” on CBC, featuring sketch comedy and satirical parodies that poked fun at the year's most talked-about figures.

Unfortunately, that tradition met its end in 2019 when "Air Farce" aired its last New Year’s special, signaling a shift in the landscape of Canadian television. In contrast, "Bye Bye" soared in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing in nearly five million viewers in 2021 and eclipsing all previous Quebec TV records.

Reviving Comedy Traditions

As Canadians seek to recapture the laughter of years gone by, the CBC aims to revitalize this comedy tradition with the "22 Minutes New Year’s Eve Pregame Special." Debuting at 8 p.m. ET, this hour-long special marks the first such program from Halifax since 2015. The beloved show, which has been on air since 1993, is gaining traction among younger audiences thanks to its presence on TikTok, where humorous sketches and political commentary attract millions of views.

This year’s most popular TikTok sketch parodies Americans seeking refuge from the political tensions following Donald Trump’s election, hilariously intertwining Canadian humor with social commentary. Other sketches raise eyebrows as well, digging into the peculiarities of Canadian politics, something many feel is needed more than ever in today’s climate.

Must-See Events for New Year’s Eve

In addition to "22 Minutes," here are other exciting events to tune into on New Year’s Eve:

- **“New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen,” CNN, 8 p.m. ET**: Will they break out the drinks again this year? Yes, indeed! After a year off the sauce, this entertaining duo will share a few cocktails live on air, while featuring performances from renowned artists like Shania Twain, 50 Cent, and Sting.

- **“Canada Live! Countdown 2025,” CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC, 9 p.m. local, 9:30 NT**: After a hiatus, CBC returns to offer a countdown across the nation’s time zones, this time hosted by Adrienne Arsenault and Jann Arden in Toronto, and Ian Hanomansing alongside Ali Hassan in Vancouver.

- **“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” ABC, 8 p.m. ET**: This long-running special continues to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, featuring performances from Alanis Morissette, T-Pain, and the Jonas Brothers – all in anticipation of the iconic ball drop in Times Square.

- **“New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” CBS, 8 p.m. ET**: For country enthusiasts, CBS’s Nashville bash is an absolute must-watch, highlighting a roster of stars including Keith Urban and Kane Brown.

As you settle in for a delightful night of laughter, music, and festive cheer, remember that this year's New Year’s Eve celebrations on television are more vibrant than ever. Get ready to raise a glass and toast to new beginnings with some unforgettable entertainment! Don’t miss out!