Staying in on New Year’s Eve? Here’s what’s to watch:
Compiled by Jevon Phillips, Lora Victorio and Todd Martens
Just because you’re staying in on New Year’s Eve doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest? A “Twilight Zone” marathon, or one devoted to “South Park”? Fox News or CNN?
Indeed, there’s plenty of opportunity to give your television remote a workout on New Year’s Eve. Here’s a look at some of the more notable Dec. 31 programming options. (Photo: Carson Daly. Credit: Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times. Photo: Ryan Seacrest. Credit: Steve Shaw)
Airing in two parts, NBCs New Years Eve blowout is once again hosted by Carson Daly. Though tape-delayed for us on the West Coast, the show is shot live from Times Square in New York and features performances from Katy Perry (pictured), the Ting Tings, Elton John, Ludacris and T.I., among others. A new Tonight Show With Jay Leno follows. NBC, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press)
FNMTV Presents: A Miley-Sized Surprise New Year’s Eve 2009
Pop duo the Veronicas and electro rockers Metro Station perform, but the star of MTVs New Years Eve special is clearly Miley Cyrus. The teen superstar shows up at the door of one of her fans and puts on a concert in the bedroom. Oh, and her brother Trace is in Metro Station. Coincidence? MTV, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Repeated at 10:30 p.m.) (Louis Lanzan / Associated Press)
New Year’s Eve bowl games
Even for a college football fan, the slate of bowls on New Year’s Eve may have lost a little luster from those of pre-BCS years past. The Chick-Fil-A Bowl, pitting No. 14 Georgia Tech (and coach Paul Johnson) vs. the SEC tough-team-to-beat-du-jour Louisiana State Tigers, at least has a top 20 team in it. Not that it’s much comfort. Other bowls include the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Houston vs. Air Force, 9 a.m. PST), the Sun Bowl (Oregon State vs. No. 20 Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. PST), the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (No. 24 Boston College vs. Vanderbilt, 12:30 p.m. PST) and the Insight Bowl (Kansas vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. PST). (John Bazemore / Associated Press)