Fourth of July on TV and online: What time to watch and who has the best lineup
Watching Fourth of July fireworks from your couch this year? Here are all your options for where to tune in, with televised specials - with singers and performers - taking place in Washington, New York and Boston:
“A Capitol Fourth”
When: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Washington
How to watch: PBS; PBS’s website; YouTube; or Facebook Live.
Host: John Stamos of “Full House” fame
Performers: Jimmy Buffett with the Broadway cast of “Escape to Margaritaville”; the Beach Boys; the Temptations; a cappella group Pentatonix; gospel legend CeCe Winans; soprano Renée Fleming; and breakout country singers Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina.
Extras: “Voice” finalist Kyla Jade sings the national anthem; Broadway star Chita Rivera introduces a tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein, complete with a “West Side Story” composition performed by violinist Joshua Bell; and Jack Everly conducts the National Symphony Orchestra.
“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular”
When: 8 to 10 p.m. (an hour-long encore airs directly after)
Where: New York
How to watch: NBC
Hosts: Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Matt Iseman from “American Ninja Warrior”
Performers: Country stars Blake Shelton and Keith Urban; pop stars Kelly Clarkson and Ricky Martin; and pop-rock band American Authors.
Extras: Broadway star Brandon Victor Dixon sings “America the Beautiful” with the Harlem Gospel Choir; the fireworks are accompanied by the West Point Band and Glee Club; and Clarkson sings a special rendition of “God Bless America.”
“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular”
When: 8 to 11 p.m.
Where: Boston
How to watch: Bloomberg TV, or Dish Channel 203; DirecTV Channel 353; and RCN Channels 325 and 672. Watch online at Bloomberg TV’s or the Boston Globe’s websites.
Hosts: Bloomberg TV anchors Alix Steel and Carol Massar
Performers: Rachel Platten, Rhiannon Giddens and the Indigo Girls; EGOT legend Rita Moreno; and Broadway actress Natalie Cortez.
Extras: As usual, the Boston Pops will perform during the fireworks.
“Fourth of July at the White House”
When: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Washington
How to watch: Hallmark Channel
Performers: Country singer Sara Evans; “American Idol” finalists Jax and Jonny Brenns; pianist Lola Astanova.
Extras: The U.S. Marine Band, the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters and the U.S. Air Force Band’s Max Impact.
Aspen: threatened by wildfires, they turn to drones
When: 11:15 p.m.
Where: Aspen, Colorado
How to watch: Aspen Daily News Facebook page livestream
Did you say drones?: Yes, plans call for 50 or more drones doing a 14 minute ballet in the sky set to music.
This story was originally published July 4, 2018 at 3:18 PM.