Stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer will help ring in the New Year alongside US country star Hardy, as the pair co-host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.
The five-hour live special will air on 31 December on CBS in the United States and stream via Paramount+, drawing growing interest from UK fans of comedy and country music.
Although the broadcast is American, Kreischer’s Netflix popularity and Hardy’s global streaming success mean the event is already on the radar of British viewers following international New Year celebrations.
Who is hosting Nashville’s Big Bash this year?
The show will be led by Bert Kreischer, one of the world’s highest-earning stand-up comedians, and Hardy, an award-winning country singer and songwriter.
After the famous Times Square ball drop at midnight Eastern Time, the duo will take over hosting duties for Central Time viewers from Bicentennial Park in Nashville, counting down with the city’s signature Music Note Drop.
Social media personality Haley Baylee will cover celebrations in New York City, linking the East Coast countdown with the Nashville festivities.
“This lineup is insane. To be working with my buddy HARDY, it feels like I should be paying CBS to do this,” Kreischer said, joking that he plans to keep his shirt on and delay his first drink until after midnight.
What makes Nashville’s New Year’s Eve show different?
Unlike traditional New Year broadcasts centred on fireworks and pop performances, Nashville’s Big Bash focuses on live music, comedy and the city’s country heritage.
The Music Note Drop has become a defining feature, offering a distinctly Southern alternative to New York’s ball drop.
For UK audiences used to London fireworks along the Thames, Nashville’s approach highlights how differently the New Year is celebrated across the Atlantic.
Which artists are performing during the broadcast?
The line-up spans mainstream country, classic acts and gospel music. Headliners include Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Dierks Bentley, alongside newer names such as Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green and Megan Moroney.
Gospel legend CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers will also appear, adding a traditional Nashville element to the show.
Comedy fans will see appearances from Dusty Slay, while guests such as UFC champion Kayla Harrison bring a wider entertainment mix.
Where will the main performances take place?
Most of the action will centre on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, with additional performances at Category 10, the official watch-party venue. Artists Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King are set to perform there in front of invited guests and industry figures.
The show is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation linked to Nashville’s Convention & Visitors Corporation, with Sandra Restrepo directing the live broadcast.
Why is Bert Kreischer’s involvement significant?
Bert Kreischer has become one of the most recognisable names in global comedy over the past decade. His Netflix specials consistently perform well in the UK, and his arena tours have sold out across Europe and North America.
His most recent special, “Lucky”, premiered in 2024, and he is currently developing a scripted comedy series titled “Free Bert”, due for release in 2026.
His role as host brings mainstream comedy appeal to a show traditionally driven by music.
How successful is Hardy right now?
Hardy’s career continues to gather momentum. His fourth studio album, “Country! Country!”, has helped push his total career streams past six billion.
He has collected multiple ACM Awards and CMA Triple Play Awards, reflecting his success both as a performer and a songwriter.
Hardy is also scheduled to tour major arenas and amphitheatres across North America next year.
Bert Kreischer and Hardy will co-host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on 31 December.
Hang out with me and @bertkreischer as we host #NashvilleNYE this year LIVE Dec. 31 on @cbs and streaming on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/KWczPLsvVT
— HARDY (@HardyMusic) December 17, 2025
The show airs live on CBS and Paramount+, featuring a major country music line-up and Nashville’s iconic Music Note Drop.
Kreischer’s rising international profile and Hardy’s chart success give the broadcast a strong global appeal, including in the UK.
What does this mean for the UK public?
While not broadcast on UK television, the event reflects the growing crossover between American comedy, country music and British streaming audiences.
With Bert Kreischer already popular on UK Netflix, Nashville’s Big Bash is likely to trend online among British viewers seeking something different from traditional New Year’s Eve programming.
