Disney’s big bet on America’s 250th birthday paid off in a major way. Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash averaged 5.4 million viewers on ABC, making it the most watched primetime program of the Fourth of July holiday and handing ABC a ratings milestone decades in the making.
Toppling A 16 Year Streak
According to Variety, the Ryan Seacrest hosted special marks the first time in 16 years that any network has beaten NBC’s Independence Day primetime programming, which is led each year by the Macy’s fireworks. NBC’s initial fireworks airing drew 4.9 million viewers, meaning ABC’s three hour Nashville special outperformed it by roughly 24 percent. It was also ABC’s best Fourth of July primetime viewership in 26 years, with the audience peaking at 6.2 million viewers during the fireworks finale.
The live special from downtown Nashville featured performances from Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Nick Jonas, Boyz II Men, Little Big Town, and more, capped by one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the country set to a live score from the Nashville Symphony, along with coverage of the patriotic fireworks at Disneyland Resort.
Disney Celebrates America Reached Nearly 50 Million
The special served as the finale of Disney Celebrates America, a 24 hour programming block spanning ABC, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and more that took over a year to plan. Per Nielsen, the block reached 49.6 million total viewers across July 3 and 4. Other big winners included the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which drew its biggest audience ever at 5 million viewers, plus 7 Wonders of America at 4.5 million and David Muir’s America the Beautiful at 3.9 million.
The ratings triumph caps a strong week for Disney’s broadcast operation, which also racked up 125 Emmy nominations across the company. With America’s semiquincentennial celebrations continuing all year, expect Disney to keep leaning into the star spangled programming.
For the latest news and updates make sure to follow us on social media! Facebook | Twitter | Threads | Instagram
