TV Airing Thanksgiving Day TV Specials

Thanksgiving Day brings a mix of timeless traditions, live events, and family-friendly programming across major networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and more. While many beloved animated specials like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) are no longer airing on broadcast TV due to exclusive streaming rights on Apple TV+ (with limited free access windows), the day is packed with parades, sports, and holiday-themed shows. 

Below is a curated schedule of key specials and events airing on Thanksgiving Day itself, based on confirmed network lineups. Times are in ET/PT unless noted; most are also available to stream on platforms like Peacock, Paramount+, or Hulu Live.

Morning Highlights (Parades and Pre-Show Fun)

The nation’s three biggest Thanksgiving parades will air live on Thursday, November 27, 2025, led by the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET, followed by Detroit’s and Philadelphia’s historic celebrations.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York City)

• Time: 8:30 a.m.–noon ET (encore 2–5 p.m.)
• Networks: NBC and Telemundo
• Streaming: Peacock (with multi-angle views)
• Hosts: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker

Highlights: 34 giant character balloons (including new ones: Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Mario, Derpy Tiger, Shrek Onion Carriage), 28 floats, 11 marching bands, performances by Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Broadway casts, and the Radio City Rockettes celebrating their 100th anniversary. Santa Claus closes the event.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade (Detroit) – the country’s second-largest

• Time: 10 a.m.–noon ET (local kickoff 8:45 a.m.)
• Network: WDIV (Local 4, Detroit NBC affiliate); syndicated to ~185 markets nationwide
• Streaming: WDIV app and TheParade.org
• Theme: “Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit!”
• Grand Marshals: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and news anchor Devin Scillian

Features: Giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and the famous “Big Head Corps” of clowns along Woodward Avenue.

6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia) – the oldest in the U.S. (since 1920)

• Time: 9–11 a.m. ET
• Network: WPVI/6abc
• Streaming: ABC News Live

Features: Elaborate floats, balloons, local bands, and performers in Center City.

Additional nationwide coverage runs 8 a.m.–noon ET on CNN (live cut-ins from NYC, Detroit, Philadelphia, and other cities) and on the CNN app/Max.   All parades are free to watch over-the-air or on most major streaming TV services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling). 

A pre-parade special airs Wednesday night, November 26, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.

Afternoon Specials

• National Dog Show Presented by Purina (Noon–2 p.m. ET on NBC, simulcast on Peacock): Hosted by John O'Hurley (Seinfeld) and analyst David Frei, this tail-wagging tradition showcases top breeds competing for Best in Show—perfect for pet lovers recovering from turkey coma.

This all-breed benched show, sanctioned by the AKC and hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, was filmed on November 15–16, 2025, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Dogs compete first within their breeds for "Best of Breed," then advance to one of seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding), judged against breed standards rather than each other. The top four from each group vie for Best in Show, with the winner receiving a $2,000 prize and the iconic blue-and-white ribbon. Last year's champ was Vito, a Pug from the Toy Group—the first Pug ever to win.

NFL Games

NFL Thanksgiving Day Games on November 27, 2025The NFL features a traditional three-game slate on Thanksgiving, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys hosting as per long-standing custom. All times are in ET. Here's the full TV lineup:

These matchups include high-stakes divisional rivalries and star-powered clashes, making for a packed holiday viewing schedule. Local channels may vary by market (e.g., FOX affiliates for the early games). For audio options, all games are available on SiriusXM.