There aren’t many options to watch the 2019 “Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular,” which NBC will be broadcasting live on Thursday night.
The event will also be streaming on NBC.com or the NBC app, but you’ll need a TV provider login for the NBC.com and NBC app streams. Nontraditional TV viewers can use a streaming service like Sling and DirecTV Now to catch the festivities.
The two-hour live telecast, hosted by Derek Hough and Ciara, starts at 8 p.m. ET. Hough and Ciara will also perform at the event, as will Luke Bryan, Khalid, Maren Morris and Brad Paisley.
NBC “World of Dance” judge Hough will do a dance performance and Ciara will perform a musical medley. All of that stuff will happen before the 25-minute-long fireworks actually start.
And don’t worry — if your BBQ runs long, an hour-long encore version of the show is set to start at 10 p.m. ET.
“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” telecast is a production of Universal Television in association with Macy’s. It is produced by Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken is a co-executive producer.
Below is Macy’s and NBC’s description of the event.
The 43rd annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will ignite the night with an unparalleled barrage of color, light and sound, live from the Brooklyn Bridge. Since 1976, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. Incorporating landmarks and celebratory milestones is a Macy’s Fireworks signature.
On Independence Day, millions of spectators will be captivated by a stunning display of patriotic firepower, as Macy’s Fireworks launch more than 70,000 shells and effects from the bridge and from four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District. The 25-minute display will honor Independence Day and classic American Cinema and will feature a host of new shells and effects in 28 colors including crackling rain shells, patriotic chasing crossettes, howling wolves, screaming dragons, silver twisters, diamond screamers and a dramatic 1,600-foot waterfall.
The musical score is the basis for the fireworks choreography and this year it features patriotic classics such as “America the Beautiful” and “Stars & Stripes Forever,” along with world-famous instrumentals from classic American films. From John Williams’ famed title compositions for “Star Wars,” “Superman” and “E.T.” to Max Steiner’s “Casablanca Suite” and Alfred Newman’s “20th Century Fox Fanfare;” audiences will be humming along to the score as the fireworks paint the night sky in perfect synchronicity. With MGM’s The Wizard of Oz turning 80 this year, Macy’s Fireworks pre-recorded score will also feature Oscar and Grammy Award winning artist Jennifer Hudson performing its most beloved song “Over the Rainbow.” The tribute will mark the show’s visual and emotional centerpiece.