Options abound on TV for celebrations tonight

Some familiar names and some not so familiar are fronting some televised festivities.

By TERRY MORROW

KNOXVILLE (TENN.) NEWS-SENTINEL

Never say you don’t have viewing variety on New Year’s Eve.

We have the safe and time-tested Dick Clark, hosting his “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which is going into its 36th consecutive season at 10 p.m. on ABC. He aided by Ryan Seacrest and pop star Fergie. Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers will perform, too.

Then, over on MTV, we have bisexual MySpace sensation Tila Tequila headlining the channel’s Times Square activities as of 11 p.m.

Somewhere in between those choices, there’s Fox and its New Year’s Eve representation beginning at 11 p.m. — “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis with pop diva Mariah Carey.

Adding hip-hop to the party, BET at 11 p.m. will have a special titled “106 & Party,” which will include such acts as Omarion, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy and Lil Boosie.

Carson Daly will be fronting NBC’s efforts, beginning at 11:35 p.m.

And not to be outdone, Anderson Cooper will anchor CNN’s coverage of people celebrating in Times Square. That starts at 11 p.m. People watching other people party. How exciting. Should I go to sleep now?

You can skip the parties altogether, of course.

All evening, Comedy Central will run episodes of “South Park,” finishing off with the “South Park” feature film “Bigger, Longer & Uncut.”

The Disney Channel will have a marathon of “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” during prime time and into the New Year.

The Independent Film Channel at 11 p.m. will roll out the first season of “The Whitest Kids U Know,” a sketch comedy series with Kids in the Hall-like sensibilities.