Don't Miss The Fourth Of July TV Specials

Fourth of July is just around the corner, which means patriotism, nostalgia for holidays gone by, BBQs, weekend getaways, and, of course, fireworks. It also means lines, crowds, loud noises, mosquito bites, and body odor. If the celebration and spectacle of the Fourth of July appeal to you, but the crowds and heat do not, you’re in luck — through the magic of television, you can watch Fourth of July fireworks displays from the comforts of your own air-conditioned home. But you have to be in front of your TV at the right moment, so what time do Fourth of July fireworks start on TV?

When it comes to national televised Fourth of July fireworks specials, there are three to choose from — and any one of them would make 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy proud. The Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York will air on NBC, PBS will host A Capitol Fourth from Washington D.C., and the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will air on CBS. So, if you’re celebrating the Fourth of July from the great indoors, here’s a field guide to these three televised Fireworks celebrations, which are sure to bring comfort and pizazz to your holiday this Monday, July 4.

Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular

The NBC fireworks celebration, hosted by the Today show's Willie Geist and Tamron Hall, begins at 8 p.m. ET. The televised event will feature performances by Meghan Trainor, Kenny Chesney, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Pitbull.

According to Macy’,s the featured musical selections will be patriotic in theme with songs like “The Star Spangled Banner,” “The Stars & Stripes Forever,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Shenandoah,” “This is My Country,” “The Armed Services Medley,” “Where Eagles Fly,” and “God Bless America.” Jennifer Holliday, who played Effie White in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, will perform the big finale, “America the Beautiful,” with The United States Air Force Band — this climactic score is already available for download on Macy’s website.

This year also marks Macy's 40th anniversary of hosting Fourth of July fireworks displays in New York City, according to Macy's website, to the celebration is sure to be extra special.

A Capitol Fourth

Dancing with the Stars' Tom Bergeron hosts A Capitol Fourth, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on PBS. The broadcast from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will include performances by Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Amber Riley, Sutton Foster, and the cast of the Broadway musical On Your Feet. The entertainment doesn't just include singing performances, but also dancing and theatrics. In addition to the headlining stars, the military will also be represented at this patriotic extravaganza. The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," and The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery will appear at the event, according to PBS.

PBS also positions 20 cameras around Washington D.C. to ensure views of all of America's great monuments illuminated by the fireworks display.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Nancy O’Dell, will kick off on CBS at 9 p.m. ET. CBS Boston reports that Pop stars Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, and Little Big Town will perform some of their biggest hits with accompaniment by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. The celebrated event is in its 43rd year, according to CBS Boston, and this Fourth of July Boston institution is attended by more than half a million people every year.

So being in front of your TV for 8 p.m. ET is the best bet to catch all of the Fourth of July TV festivities, but if you're running late, Boston Pops has you covered with a 9 p.m. start time.