Tom Hanks Set to Host a Biden/Harris Inaugural TV Special Called ‘Celebrating America’

In a divided country, one of the few things Americans can agree on is their collective love of Tom Hanks. So, who better to host a unifying special to celebrate the inauguration of the nation’s next president?

The beloved actor will front a primetime special to mark the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. According to Deadline, the 90-minute special will be titled Celebrating America and will feature performances by  Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons, and Bon Jovi. Additional performers are expected to be announced over the next few days. 

Celebrating America is set to air at 8 p.m. EST on Jan. 20 on most major television networks. The special will also stream on the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s social media feeds and other online outlets. 

The special will be produced by Ricky Kirshner, and in addition to big-name performers, the 90-minute show will also feature appearances from the POTUS and VPOTUS themselves. 

“This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America United,” said Tony Allen, the President of Delaware State University and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this primetime program.”

Of course, the weeks leading up to the inauguration have been tumultuous. The coronavirus pandemic continues to plague the country and the Jan. 6 violence at the Capitol will likely be on people’s minds as Biden and Harris are sworn in on the building’s steps on the 20th at noon. Despite this turmoil, Allen says the special will be focused on unifying the country to reflect the theme of the inauguration.

He said, “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.”

Celebrating America will air on ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN. The special will also stream on Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox, and AT&T DIRECTV and U-verse. Will you be watching? Let us know!