With Independence Day landing on a Friday this year, Americans are gearing up for a long weekend of celebration—and networks and streamers are rolling out an epic lineup of Fourth of July 2025 content to match.
From dazzling fireworks and nostalgic musical acts to reenactments of Revolutionary War battles and, of course, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, this year’s Fourth of July 2025 TV guide and streaming schedule offers something for every kind of patriot. Whether you’re tuning in from Manhattan, Chicago, Atlanta, or Los Angeles, here’s where to catch the best performances, historical tributes, and over-the-top festivities on TV and streaming platforms.
Musical Performances & Fireworks Specials
NBC – Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
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Time: 8 p.m. ET (Encore at 10 p.m.)
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Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo (starting at 9 p.m.)
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Host: Ariana DeBose
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Performers: The Jonas Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Eric Church, Trisha Yearwood, Ava Max, Keke Palmer
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Highlights: Live performance by DeBose, score by Questlove and James Poyser, fireworks over the East River and Brooklyn Bridge
CNN – The Fourth in America
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Time: 7 p.m.–1 a.m. ET
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Where to Watch: CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, mobile and connected TV apps (for pay TV subscribers)
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Performers: Noah Kahan, Sting, Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, The Fray, CAKE, Ice Cube, Vanilla Ice, and more
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Cities Covered: New York City, Boston, San Diego, Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and more
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Hosts: Dana Bash, Boris Sanchez, Victor Blackwell, Sarah Sidner
PBS – A Capitol Fourth
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Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT (Check local listings)
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Where to Watch: PBS and PBS.org livestream
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Host: Alfonso Ribeiro
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Performers: The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Trombone Shorty, Josh Turner, Abi Carter, The National Symphony Orchestra and multiple U.S. military ensembles
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Location: Live from the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn in Washington, D.C.
Sporting Events and Patriotic Specials
ESPN – Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
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Time:
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Women’s Contest: 10:45 a.m. ET (ESPN3)
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Men’s Contest: 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2); Re-airs at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on ESPN and 6 p.m. on ESPN2
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Where to Watch: ESPN and ESPN3
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Host: Jeremy Schaap with Rich Shea (Major League Eating)
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Highlight: 16-time champion Joey Chestnut returns
Historical Programming & Documentaries
C-SPAN – America 250: Exploring the American Story
A lead-up to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, C-SPAN kicks off a year and a half of special programming.
July 3:
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8:30 p.m. ET – Donald Trump speaks at the America250 Kick-Off Celebration from the Iowa State Fairgrounds
July 4 Highlights:
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9 a.m. ET – Washington Journal LIVE from the Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
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10 a.m. ET – National Archives Reading of the Declaration of Independence
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Battle of Bunker Hill commemoration
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The U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade
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Revolutionary War documentaries and programming throughout the day
Starting July 5 – Weekly Specials on C-SPAN2:
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July 5: Revolutionary War encampment at Mount Vernon
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July 12: Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty” speech reenactment
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July 19: Lexington and Concord analysis with David Preston
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July 26: Ethan Allen’s Fort Ticonderoga raid with Bruce Venter
️ Daytime Specials & Game Shows
CBS – The Price Is Right: Independence Day Episode
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Time: 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT
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Where to Watch: CBS and Paramount+
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Host: Drew Carey
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Highlight: Features first responders from the 2024 Los Angeles wildfires, competing for big prizes like a camper trailer and cash
How to Stream Fourth of July 2025 Specials
Here’s a quick rundown of where to stream:
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NBC & Peacock: Macy’s Fireworks
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PBS.org: A Capitol Fourth
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CNN.com & Apps (for pay TV subscribers): The Fourth in America
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Paramount+: The Price Is Right special
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ESPN & ESPN3: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
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C-SPAN.org: America 250 specials and livestreams
Final Word: Celebrate with History, Hits, and Hot Dogs
Whether you’re enjoying fireworks from your rooftop in New York City, grilling in Miami Beach, or road-tripping through Aspen, this Fourth of July 2025 TV guide and streaming schedule has something for everyone. From nostalgic singalongs to historical deep dives, July 4th will be packed with entertainment—and a healthy dose of red, white, and blue.
So, charge your devices, fire up the grill, mix a cocktail with America’s Greatest London Dry Gin, and tune in for a weekend that celebrates the spirit, sound, and story of America.
