Viewers of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade expressed less festive cheer than usual. Many felt the holiday season’s unofficial kickoff was marred by broadcast choices and performer selections.
"It is time for the annual session of torture that is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade," one person shared via X on Thursday, November 27. "I am disgusted every year."
While hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker presented the 99th annual parade on NBC, social media was filled with criticism. Many viewers complained that the broadcast showed everything but the actual parade.
"Please just show the parade," an X user wrote. "I would rather watch more commercials than have to watch celebrities talk. Show the parade!"
Another user highlighted the perceived imbalance. "The show is literally called the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, yet we have seen less than two minutes of the parade in the last 45 minutes."
One social media user outlined a typical viewing experience. "Here is 5 seconds of what is happening in the parade, followed by 18 minutes of someone talking about how great it is to be in the parade and 21 minutes of ads."
The broadcast began with key Broadway performances. Casts from Buena Vista Social Club, Ragtime, and Just in Time took to the stage on 34th Street.
Sarah Hyland, currently appearing in Just in Time as Connie Francis, received positive feedback. Fans were impressed by her vocal range. She was joined by co-stars Jonathan Groff and Sadie Dickerson.
As the parade progressed to floats and musical acts, opinions varied on the popularity of this year’s singers.
"Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade keeps throwing 30-year-old hits every 5-7 minutes to keep us watching the bigger ones," a person shared on X. "What is your favorite?"
Performers included Mr. Fantasy, Conan Gray, and the 70s rock band Foreigner, who appeared on the Stranger Things float. Shaggy, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, and Jewel also had moments to shine.
Shaggy’s medley, featuring "It Wasn’t Me," was not well received online. The song’s content among family-friendly floats struck some as odd.
Busta Rhymes’ appearance on the Ninja Turtles float also confused some viewers.
Another social media post questioned the selection of artists popular years ago. "Was the waitlist for the Thanksgiving Day Parade more than 20 years and now Shaggy, Jewel, Busta, etc. finally get a chance to perform?" someone asked.
Despite the widespread confusion from a significant number of viewers, some still embraced the Thursday morning tradition.
"I love Thanksgiving," an X user commented. "But Thanksgiving and the holiday season really starts when the @Rockettes do their amazing presentation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!"