CNN is broadcasting a special hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen to commemorate America's semiquincentennial. Independence Eve Live debuts July 3rd and features the Times Square Ball descending at eight different times—one for each American time zone—marking the first occasion this tradition occurs outside of New Year's Eve. The programme will include numerous celebrity and cultural guests alongside everyday Americans.

The four-and-a-half-hour broadcast runs from July 3rd at 8 p.m. through July 4th at 12:30 a.m. and is accessible via streaming services including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. The special serves as the opening event for CNN's expanded 'Celebrating 250' coverage, with continued programming scheduled throughout July 4th.