CBS Launches Great American Block Party 250 for July 4

CBS will broadcast a three-hour live special titled “Great American Block Party 250” on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. PT/ET. The program will feature concerts from multiple U.S. cities and conclude with a fireworks display billed as the “biggest fireworks show in history.” It is part of the network’s series of semiquincentennial television specials.

Hollywood Reporter

The lineup includes Queen Latifah, The Roots, Jill Scott, Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls, and The War and Treaty. Queen Latifah will appear from the America250 Benefit Show at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; The Roots and Jill Scott will broadcast from the One Philly Unity Concert for America. Tony Dokoupil and Nischelle Turner serve as co-hosts.

Hollywood Reporter

CBS confirms the special can be streamed live on any service carrying the network, including DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV. DirecTV offers a five-day free trial, Fubo a one-day trial, and Hulu + Live TV a similar introductory period. Paramount+ also carries a live feed but lacks a free trial; DirecTV Signature subscribers receive three months of Paramount+ Premium at no extra cost. Streaming packages begin at $19.99 /month for DirecTV, $45.99 for Fubo’s first month (then $55.99), and $8.99 /month for Paramount+ Essential.

Hollywood Reporter

The broadcast continues a series of “semquincentennial TV specials” marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. By linking performances from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Montclair, Irvine, and Nashville, the event emphasizes nationwide participation in the milestone celebration.

Hollywood Reporter

The special illustrates how major networks use live, multi-location productions to engage a dispersed audience during a national holiday. Free-trial streaming options reflect a broader industry shift toward hybrid broadcast-streaming distribution, potentially expanding viewership beyond traditional cable subscribers.

Hollywood Reporter

Sources agree on streaming options and performer line-up but do not disclose projected audience numbers, contractual terms for artists, or technical details of the nationwide feed. These omissions limit a full assessment of the event’s reach and production scale.

Hollywood Reporter

• “Queen Latifah will join from the America250 Benefit Show at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while The Roots and Jill Scott will join from One Philly Unity Concert for America.” — Hollywood Reporter

Hollywood Reporter

• “The Great American Block Party 250 will also livestream on Paramount+, however the streamer does not offer a free trial.” — Hollywood Reporter

Hollywood Reporter

• “The Great American Block Party 250 Performers, Hosts The special will include performances by Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls, The War and Treaty, Queen Latifah, The Roots and Jill Scott, while Tony Dokoupil and Nischelle Turner will serve as co-hosts.” — Hollywood Reporter

Hollywood Reporter

The broadcast will culminate with the announced “biggest fireworks show in history,” closing the July 4 lineup and paving the way for additional semiquincentennial events throughout the year.

Hollywood Reporter