I'm not old enough to be familiar with Dick Clark's prime.  To me, the name Dick Clark merely brings to mind the multitude of “Dick Clark is old” and “Dick Clark has looked the same for 40 years” jokes that every lame comedian has spouted over the past twenty years.  I understand his importance, kind of, but have never been all that impressed with what he brings to the table on the (admittedly few) television broadcasts with him that I've witnessed.  The comparisons between Clark and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest have come fast and furious in recent years, though these comparisons have generally garnered a collective scoff from the older crowd, appalled that a legend like Dick Clark is even mentioned in the same breath as a metrosexual pretty boy like Seacrest.  Though this may be a blasphemous opinion to some, Seacrest has always seemed to me like a more impressive television personality than the immortal Clark.  The two will ply their trades together on December 31, as they jointly host the 200th edition (obligatory lame “Clark is old” joke) of “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve” on ABC.

American Bandstand was a monumental series in television history, but so is American Idol.  In fact, in fifty years I'm guessing that American Idol will be revered as not only a more important program, but as an infinitely more impressive one.  The sheer amount of episodes produced of American Idol is staggering, especially when the show reaches the top 12 stage, when FOX starts producing two live shows a week.  Seacrest makes this look incredibly easy when, in fact, it is a remarkable feat. 

Believe me, I get those who dismiss Seacrest.  Before I was an American Idol watcher, I hated Seacrest just on principle.  But, once I saw what he did on the The Biggest Reality Series Ever, it's impossible not to be in awe of how easily the man navigates the treacherous landscape of live television.  Sure, Dick Clark never had the opportunity to preside over such a phenomenon, but I can't imagine anyone doing it as well as Seacrest. 

This year's New Year's Rockin' Eve will feature performances in Times Square by Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.  Fergie will host the festivities from Hollywood where she, with Akon, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Kingston, OneRepublic, Plain White T's, Taylor Swift and Will.I.Am will perform. 


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer Source: TV Guide