48 Hours July 4 2026 Pre-Empted
CBS’ 48 Hours will be pre-empted on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the network devotes its entire primetime lineup to The Great American Block Party 250, a live entertainment special celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Airing from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET, the three-hour event will be broadcast live from the nation’s capital and serve as CBS’ signature Independence Day celebration. Hosted by CBS Mornings co-hosts Tony Dokoupil and Gayle King (or Turner, depending on the final hosting lineup announced), the special will feature performances from some of music’s biggest names and conclude with what organizers describe as the largest fireworks display in U.S. history over Washington, D.C.
The celebration includes exclusive performances by:
- Zac Brown Band
- Jon Batiste
- Goo Goo Dolls
- The War and Treaty
- Additional guest performers to be announced
Broadcast from the grounds surrounding the Washington Monument, the special will also feature live reports and celebrations from communities across the country as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.
Schedule
- Program: The Great American Block Party 250
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Time: 8:00–11:00 p.m. ET/PT
- Network: CBS
- Reason for pre-emption: Live coverage of the national celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
As a result, 48 Hours will not air on July 4, 2026, with the CBS true-crime newsmagazine expected to return to its regular Saturday night schedule the following weekend.
