The 4th of July is here, and whether you’re celebrating it over a BBQ, lounging by the pool, or spending quality time with family and friends, chances are you’ll want to turn on the TV at some point. On this Independence Day there are a range of viewing options, from spectacular fireworks displays and themed specials from the major news networks to film and TV marathons, to keep you and your loved ones busy – especially if you’re trying to beat the heat.
Here’s your TV guide for July 4, 2023, listing everything you can watch on TV today and tonight. And if you’re looking for a curated selection of movies, we’ve got those too.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza
8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
Celebrate America’s Birthday in New York with musical performances from top superstars and live fireworks; Artists include Ashanti, Bebe Rexha, Ja Rule, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, LL COOL J, DJ Z-Trip and The Roots. This special will also stream on Peacock.
“A Capitol Fourth”
8 p.m. ET on PBS
The annual America’s 247th Birthday Concert is a special tribute to American military heroes and their families. The show features the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the US Army Band Pershing’s Own and the US Army Herald Trumpets. The finale includes fireworks and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with cannon fire.
“The Fourth in America”
7:00 p.m. ET to 1:00 a.m. ET on CNN
A night of celebrations with fireworks from coast to coast and performances by Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Leon Bridges, Alanis Morissette, The All-American Rejects, Darius Rucker, Duran Duran, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow and more.
CNN anchor and chief political correspondent Dana Bash and CNN anchor Boris Sanchez will be hosting from Washington DC, along with CNN anchor Victor Blackwell and award-winning anchor, broadcast journalist and CNN contributor Cari Champion from San Diego.
Throughout the evening, coast-to-coast fireworks shows will take place in cities across the country including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis, San Diego, Seward , Alaska and Washington DC.
The special also includes an ensemble performance by the United States Air Force Band.
The CNN special, The Fourth in America, will stream live for pay-to-air subscribers on CNN.com and CNN OTT, and mobile apps on TV Channels or CNNgo where available.
“A Big Independence Day Special”
8 p.m. ET on Fox News
Join Joey Jones, Carley Shimkus, Jimmy Failla and Aishah Hasnie for a grand Independence Day celebration. The special includes festivities from around the country as well as exclusive music performances and live fireworks.
“Love and the Constitution”
8 p.m. ET on MSNBC
In this 2022 documentary, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) fights to defend American democracy during Donald Trump’s presidency and second impeachment trial, while also coping with the personal tragedy of losing his son.
Star Wars Marathon
Lucasfilm
All day on TNT
If you turn on TNT anytime on Independence Day, there’s a Star Wars movie on. This afternoon/evening begins the sequel in the trilogy: The Force Awakens begins at 5pm ET/PT, followed by The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
“Rocking” marathon
All day on AMC
What’s more American than an underdog story? The “Rocky” movies are on repeat all day on AMC.
“The Office” marathon
All day on Comedy Central
Possibly the best option for background viewing, Comedy Central has a marathon of The Office running throughout the day. Pro tip: The “dinner party” starts at 9:30pm ET/PT.
Marvel Movies Marathon
All day on FX
Today FX is running a mini-Marvel cinematic universe with a curated selection of semi-patriotic Marvel films including Iron Man 3, Captain America: The First Avenger, and then The Avengers on the main 7pm ET/PT broadcast page .
Yellowstone Marathon
Kevin Costner, Yellowstone (Paramount+)
All day on the Paramount Network
Visit Paramount Network to listen to “Yellowstone” as the final season of the popular series is currently on indefinite suspension. If you want to start over, you can play through the series on Peacock (and only on Peacock).
“The Music Man” and “1776”
8:00 p.m. ET and 11:00 p.m. ET on TCM
Over at Turner Classic Movies, you’ll find “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942) starting at 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by “The Music Man” (1962) at 8:00 p.m. ET and the American Revolution musical “1776” (1972). at 11pm ET.
