HBD, America! You don’t look a day over 235. This weekend we shall celebrate you with delicious food, strong drinks, and loud (but patriotic) explosive pyrotechnics. Explosive pyrotechnics isn’t as much fun to say as I thought, so let’s call them as they are, fireworks. Fireworks are the staple to the Fourth of July, and this year, if you aren’t around any big hoopla fireworks shows (people still use the word hoopla, right?) then you’re in luck, because this July 4th you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to see some of the best fireworks shows around the country. And since there are so many options to choose from, it's important to know where to watch Fourth of July fireworks on TV, and what exactly the differences are between the various specials.
Every year, when I was younger, my family/friends and I would always go to a local town to watch the fireworks show, and every year I would complain about the mass amounts of people, the Port-A- Potties and the hundreds of mosquito bites I would leave with. If those aspects of fireworks viewing sound great to you, then grab some bug spray away and get going. If you want to virtually high five me because you too would rather watch fireworks from home, then I’ve got the information you want to hear.
Check out oh-say-where-can-you-see the best fireworks on television this Fourth of July.
NBC
What it is: Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
When it is: 8 – 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Why you should watch: Nick Cannon hosts Manhattan’s 38th annual firework show, set to display over the East River for the first time in years. Special guest performers include: Ariana Grande, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, and Lionel Richie.
Who should watch: This show is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything. You want pop? Done, they’ve got Ariana Grande. You want country? Done, Hunter Hayes and Miranda Lambert are on deck. You want Lionel Richie? DONE, because they’ve got the man himself.
PBS
What it is: A Capitol Fourth
When it is: 8 – 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Why you should watch: Tom Bergeron hosts this celebration from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. D.C., which has a huge list of performers, including: Jordin Sparks, Frankie Valli, Patti LaBelle, Michael McDonald, Sara Evans, Kendall Schmidt, Kelli O’Hara, and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Who should watch: If you love the classics and want to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" at least five times over the course of the hour and a half, this is the show for you. With powerhouse voices like Jordin Sparks and Patti LaBelle, to the harmonious sounds from the orchestra of our nation’s capital, you’re in for a patriotic evening.
VH1
What it is: Philly 4th of July Jam
When it is: 8 – 11 p.m. Eastern Time
Why you should watch: The legendary Roots crew of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon will host this epic fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Special guest performers include: Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Aloe Blacc, and Vicci Martinez of The Voice's first season.
Who should watch: No surprise that VH1 has got the younger crowd hooked with performers like Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. But if you want that soul that only J-Hud can give you (my money is on The Star Spangled Banner), or the smooth tunes from Aloe Blacc, this is your go-to. Don’t be surprised if you get a little something sweet from Questlove, too.
Cheers, America.
Image: Giphy
