The 4th of July is here, and whether you’re celebrating by grilling, relaxing by the pool, or spending some quality time with family and friends, at some point you’ll probably want to turn on the TV. From spectacular fireworks and themed specials to movie and TV marathons on major news networks, there are plenty of viewing options to keep you and your loved ones busy this Independence Day — especially if you’re trying to beat the heat.
Here’s your 4th of July viewing guide for 2023, with everything to watch on TV today and tonight. And if it’s a curated movie selection you’re looking for, we’ve got that too.
“Macy’s Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks”
8 p.m. ET on NBC and The Peacock
Celebrating America’s Birthday in New York with musical performances from chart-topping superstars and a live fireworks display; Artists include Ashanti, Bebe Rexha, Ja Rule, Jelly Roll, Lanny Wilson, LL Cool J, DJ Z-Trip and The Roots. This special will also stream on Peacock.
“A Capital Fourth”
8 p.m. ET on PBS
The annual concert celebrating America’s 247th birthday pays 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 Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, complete with fireworks and cannon fire.
“Fourth in America”
7 p.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET on CNN
A night of coast-to-coast festivities including fireworks 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 host from Washington DC with CNN anchor Victor Blackwell and award-winning host, broadcast journalist and CNN contributor Carrie Champion from San Diego.
There will be coast-to-coast fireworks shows throughout the evening in cities across the country including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Diego, Seward, Alaska and Washington DC.
The special will also include a mass performance by the United States Air Force Band.
CNN’s “The Fourth in America” special will stream live for pay TV subscribers on CNN.com and CNN OTT and through the mobile app under “TV Channels” or CNNGo where available.
“A Big Independence Day Special”
8 p.m. ET on Fox News
Join Joey Jones, Carly Shimkus, Jimmy Fella and Aisha Hassani for one big Independence Day celebration. Specials include exclusive music performances and live fireworks alongside festivities from around the country.
“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 grappling with the personal tragedy of losing his son.
“Star Wars” Marathon
all day on tnt
Turn on TNT any time on Independence Day and you’ll find a “Star Wars” movie playing. This afternoon/evening begins the sequel trilogy, with “The Force Awakens” starting at 5PM ET/PT, followed by “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker.”
“Rocky” Marathon
all day on amc
What’s more American than an underdog story? “Rocky” movies on AMC are playing on loop all day.
“The Office” Marathon
all day comedy central
Possibly the best background viewing option, marathons of “The Office” have been running all day on Comedy Central. Pro tip: “Dinner Party” begins at 9:30PM ET/PT.
marvel movies marathon
all day on fx
A mini Marvel Cinematic Universe is running on FX today, with quasi-patriotic Marvel movies including “Iron Man 3,” “Captain America: The First Avenger” and then “The Avengers” in the prime slot. ET/PT at 7 p.m.
“Yellowstone” Marathon
All Day on Paramount Network
Tune in to Paramount Network to enjoy “Yellowstone” as the beloved series’ final season is currently on hold indefinitely. If you want to start from the beginning, you can enjoy the series on Peacock (and only Peacock).
“The Music Man” and “1776”
ET and 11 PM ET on TCM
On Turner Classic Movies, you’ll find “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942) starting at 5:30 PM ET, followed by “The Music Man” (1962) at 8 PM ET and the American Revolution musical “1776” (1972) . ET at 11 p.m.
