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Fourth of July celebrations drew millions of people outside to watch local fireworks displays, but millions more also tuned in to a display on television.
NBC had a significant increase in viewership during its annual month Fireworks at Macy’s on the 4th of July Especially as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding. Fox News also had a strong night on cable, posting its best ratings ever over the Independence Day weekend.
Across all platforms (NBC, Telemundo, Peacock) and broadcast TV, including replays, Fireworks at Macy’s on the 4th of July It attracted 11.2 million viewers, based on preliminary Nielsen numbers. This represents a 59 percent improvement year over year and the highest total for the special since 2018.
NBC’s live broadcast (8-10 p.m. ET) attracted 5.1 million viewers, up about 42 percent from 3.6 million in 2025 and the highest since 2019. Peacock users doubled the amount of time they spent watching the fireworks special compared to last year.
“With our partners at Macy’s, we are proud to bring viewers from across the country together for a night that honored this historic event through unforgettable music, inspiring moments and one of the country’s most iconic fireworks traditions,” said Jane Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials for NBC and Peacock. “Thank you very much [producer] Jesse Collins Entertainment for their invaluable work in creating such a wonderful celebration.
Fox News Channel attracted 3.3 million prime-time viewers, and 2.2 million full-day viewers, with slate coverage of the semicentennial. Both are well above the channel’s usual Saturday audience. The peak for Fox News came after prime time, with 5.5 million people watching President Trump’s speech from 11:15 to 11:45 PM ET, based on preliminary Nielsen numbers. (CNN averaged 1.2 million viewers in prime time, and MS NOW, which does not premiere on weekend nights, averaged 317,000 viewers.)
Final July 4 ratings, including specials on other networks, will be available later in the week.
