What to watch on July 4th: How to see the fireworks on TV
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Multiple TV networks will air national fireworks specials on July 4 evening.
- PBS, CNN, FOX and NBC will feature live shows with music and pyrotechnics.
- Streaming options are available through network apps and websites nationwide.
Planning to spend Independence Day indoors? You can still see festive fireworks from the comfort of your home.
Across the nation, cities and towns will be hosting family-friendly and free celebrations this holiday weekend. But there are also several network specials showcasing sky-high sparkles from across the country that you can watch from your couch too.
From the nation’s capital to the coast, here’s a list of televised programs you can tune into Friday, July 4.
PBS’ A Capitol Fourth
8 p.m. ET on PBS, YouTube and Facebook
America’s annual national Independence Day celebration concert is back with another year of “the greatest display of fireworks in the nation” live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro (best known for playing Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”), this year’s telecast will feature performances from The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The National Symphony Orchestra, Joint Armed Forces Chorus and more.
A live stream of the concert will also be accessible on the PBS website, YouTube channel, mobile app and the A Capitol Fourth Facebook page. Learn more at pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth.
CNN’s “The Fourth in America”
7 p.m. ET on CNN and CNN International
CNN is bringing coast to coast fireworks shows and a lineup of award-winning artists to its Independence Day special. The six-hour broadcast, headlined by musician Noah Kahan, will have firework events showcased throughout the evening, including some from Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville, Niagara Falls, New Orleans and Washington, DC.
TV subscribers will also be able to stream the special on CNN’s website and mobile app. Learn more at cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com.
FOX’s “The Big Independence Day Special”
8 p.m. ET on FOX News Media platforms
FOX News Channel’s three-hour holiday broadcast, “The Big Independence Day Special,” will be held in FOX Square in New York City. Hosted by FNC’s Johnny “Joey” Jones, Carley Shimkus, Aishah Hasnie and Griff Jenkins, it will showcase live fireworks from Washington, DC and country tunes from Dugger Band. Learn more at press.foxnews.com
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special
8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, 9 p.m. ET on Telemundo
Live from New York City, the 49th annual special is returning with two hours of country, rock and Broadway performances, along with a fireworks display with over 80,000 firework shells featuring 30 different colors and special effects.
There will also be an encore presentation airing at 10 p.m. on NBC, along with a telecast of the Fireworks special on Telemundo from 9- 10 p.m. Learn more at nbc.com/nbc-insider.
This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 8:41 AM with the headline "What to watch on July 4th: How to see the fireworks on TV."
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