As America marks its 250th birthday this week, the country’s TV networks and their streaming platforms are stepping up with some of the most extensive Fourth of July programming in history. News organizations, entertainment brands and sports networks alike are using live television, documentaries and digital storytelling to help the nation celebrate its semiquincentennial.
Here’s a look at how networks and streamers are marking the occasion this Independence Day.
Watch the Celebration Live
For many Americans, the Fourth of July means tuning in to watch the festivities unfold in real time, and this year’s slate of live coverage is more expansive than ever.
NBCUniversal’s Sail4th 250: This signature anniversary event will deliver six hours of live coverage as tall ships and naval vessels from dozens of nations gather in New York Harbor. Coverage airs July 4 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET across NBC News, Telemundo and NBCU Local, with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin anchoring from Governors Island as the International Parade of Sail moves through the harbor.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks: One of the country’s most iconic Independence Day traditions marks its 50th anniversary with an expanded display over the East River and a star-studded musical lineup. The show airs live July 4 from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, simulcasts on Peacock, and also airs on Telemundo.
Disney Celebrates America: Disney is marking the day with a 24-hour cross-platform broadcast led by World News Tonight anchor David Muir, featuring live reporting from all 50 states, musical performances and fireworks. Coverage begins the evening of July 3 and continues through July 4 across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, FX, Freeform and ABC News Live, building to a fireworks broadcast from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
The Great American Block Party 250: CBS is hosting its own coast-to-coast celebration with this three-hour live special, hosted by Tony Dokoupil and Nischelle Turner and featuring performances from Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls and The War and Treaty. The broadcast airs July 4 from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+ and CBS News 24/7, building to a record-setting fireworks display in Washington, D.C.
C-SPAN’s Fourth of July Coverage: C-SPAN is also bringing viewers to the nation’s capital with coverage of the Salute to America program from the National Mall, including remarks from President Trump and the evening’s fireworks display, continuing the network’s long tradition of unfiltered access to the country’s civic and ceremonial moments.
Stories That Explore America’s History
Beyond the live festivities, several networks are using the milestone to dig into the people, places and history that have shaped the nation.
Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness: Hosted by Deborah Roberts and Will Reeve, this primetime special explores the people, places and innovations that have shaped the American experience, with segments filmed from Walt Disney World and Disneyland. National Geographic and ABC News are also highlighting the country’s natural landscapes through Seven Natural Wonders of America, with new reveals continuing throughout the summer.
Mission to Honor: A 250th Salute to American Veterans: The HISTORY Channel’s yearlong tribute to service members from World War II through the Global War on Terror continues, sharing first-person stories in partnership with the White House and Freedom 250. The initiative builds toward a primetime documentary event on Veterans Day 2026.
The Americas: A Wild 250th: NBC is taking a different approach to the milestone with a special episode of its nature series The Americas, spotlighting iconic American species whose history is intertwined with the nation’s own.
Paramount+’s America the Beautiful Collection: The streamer is marking the holiday with a curated collection of hundreds of films and episodes celebrating the country’s history and culture, including titles like America’s National Parks at 100 and Aerial America.
Our 250 / Nuestros 250: NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations are spotlighting hometown stories through this 100-day initiative, shining a light on local history, community celebrations and the people shaping America’s next chapter in both English and Spanish.
Celebrate From Anywhere
Whether you’re watching tall ships sail into New York Harbor, fireworks light up the National Mall, or a documentary trace the country’s history, there’s no shortage of ways to mark America’s 250th birthday from home this week.
Check local listings and your favorite streaming services for full schedules.
