CNN’s “Thanksgiving in America” Returns for Third Year with Expanded Programming
Special Performances by OneRepublic, Mitski, Bleachers, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, The Wiggles and Kenny G
Featuring Parades Across the Country from New York City, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago, Alongside Stories of Generosity, Community and Holiday Traditions
NEW YORK, NY – (November 12, 2026) – Returning for its third year, CNN’s “Thanksgiving in America” special broadcast will bring viewers front and center for the nation’s biggest parades, special musical performances and inspiring stories of Americans coming together to celebrate and give back this holiday season. Live coverage will air Thanksgiving Day from 7AM to 12PM ET on CNN and stream live on CNN.com/Watch and the CNN app for subscribers of CNN’s streaming offering.
CNN’s “Thanksgiving in America” will feature an exciting lineup of musical performances by OneRepublic, Mitski, Bleachers, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, The Wiggles and Kenny G, alongside celebrity guests sharing personal stories and cherished holiday traditions.
The special will also spotlight meaningful efforts to make a difference in communities across the country, including CNN Anchor and National Correspondent Erica Hill’s “One Night to Change a Life,” highlighting efforts around Yankee Stadium to support young people experiencing homelessness, and The Store, the Nashville-based nonprofit founded by Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly, which allows families experiencing food insecurity to shop for groceries with dignity.
CNN Anchor and National Correspondent Erica Hill will host alongside CNN Anchor and Correspondent John Berman from New York City, and CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt from Houston.
CNN talent providing on-the-ground coverage nationwide will include Anchor Brad Smith, Anchor and Correspondent Brian Abel, Correspondent Brynn Gingras, Senior Reporter David Goldman, Weather Anchor Derek Van Dam, Correspondent Diane Gallagher, Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten and Correspondent Isabel Rosales.
Live coverage throughout the special will showcase Thanksgiving Day parades and celebrations across the country, including parades in New York City, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago, a plunge in Nantucket and a race in Atlanta. CNN will also spend Thanksgiving with American service members stationed in Germany, as Senior International Correspondent Fred Pleitgen joins troops celebrating the holiday far from home.
Now in its third year, CNN’s “Thanksgiving in America” has become a cherished holiday tradition, building on the success of the network’s New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July programming to further establish CNN as a cultural destination for the nation’s biggest moments of celebration. From spectacular performances and beloved holiday traditions to stories of generosity, community and Americans serving far from home, the special will capture the many ways people across the country come together on Thanksgiving.
CNN’s “Thanksgiving in America” special will broadcast live on CNN and stream live for CNN’s streaming subscribers and for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps on Thursday, November 26.
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