CNN is expanding its Thanksgiving Day coverage for the third consecutive year. The network will feature national celebrations, musical performances, and stories of Americans giving back.
What We Know: Thanksgiving in America will air live from 7 a.m. to noon ET on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. CNN Anchor and National Correspondent Erica Hill will host alongside Anchor and Correspondent John Berman from New York City. Meanwhile, Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt will provide coverage from Houston. The network’s nationwide reporting team will include Brad Smith, Brian Abel, Brynn Gingras, David Goldman, Derek Van Dam, Diane Gallagher, Harry Enten and Isabel Rosales.
Additionally, CNN will feature musical performances from OneRepublic, Mitski, Bleachers, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, The Wiggles and Kenny G. Coverage will include parades in New York City, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago, along with celebrations elsewhere.
What’s at Stake: The programming gives CNN another opportunity to establish itself as a destination for major national celebrations beyond its traditional news coverage. The network will also highlight charitable initiatives, including Erica Hill’s One Night to Change a Life and The Store, the Nashville nonprofit founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
What Remains Unclear: CNN hasn’t announced whether additional performers or celebrity guests will join the broadcast. The network also hasn’t detailed how much coverage will be available outside its scheduled five-hour window.
What It Means: Now in its third year, Thanksgiving in America is becoming part of CNN’s broader holiday programming strategy. The network is using the occasion to combine live event coverage, entertainment and human-interest reporting while reaching audiences beyond its regular news lineup.
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