How To Watch Tom Hanks' Celebrating America Special

On January 20, 2021, Tom Hanks will host Celebrating America, a TV special to mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States. Since there will be no ceremony open to the public due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the special will be streamed on TV and online. This begs the question: how do we all watch the special in the first place?

Billboard reports that five networks will be hosting the event: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC. Celebrating America will also stream on the Biden Inaugural Committee's YouTube Channel, and will be broadcast across social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Amazon Prime Video, Twitch and NewsNOW will also be streaming the event. The special will air from 8:30-10 p.m. EST.

Billboard quotes a statement by Tony Allen, the CEO of the Presidential Inauguration Committee: "This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America united."

Allen noted that the last year has been especially tough for the nation, and explained why the event will be online-only, even when people would like to celebrate in person.

"We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans," said Allen, "so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this prime-time program. Our first priority is safety — so while many of us will be watching safely from our homes, we are creating real moments of connection that highlight a new inclusive American era of leadership that works for and represents all Americans."

Several performers are slated to appear, including Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bon Jovi, and Justin Timberlake. The special will have an optimistic tone, and NME reports that it will "... celebrate the beginning of a new national journey toward an America united."