This Fourth of July, Turn on Food Network for Your TV Marathon Needs

The Fourth of July is always a reliable time for TV marathons. In years past, that’s meant a full day of The Office on Comedy Central, The Twilight Zone on Syfy, and Below Deck on Bravo, just to name a few. The best options are shows you can throw on as you’re prepping for fireworks, getting ready for a beach day, or lighting up the barbecue — ones that don’t require laser focus to enjoy, that are delightful no matter when you pop in or pop out.

Cooking shows fit that bill perfectly, especially while firing up the grill. Who knows what useful tips and tricks could be on display? For Independence Day 2023, the Food Network is offering a variety of insights with two days of mini-marathons featuring three of the network’s biggest personalities: Bobby Flay, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Guy Fieri. Here’s what to expect when turning on Food Network this Fourth of July, whether it’s for cooking inspiration or post-meal viewing.

Bobby’s Triple Threat

July 3 at 8:00 AM ET through 2:00 PM ET

Bobby’s Triple Threat takes the concept behind Iron Chef to the next level. Contestants must beat three culinary greats known as the Titans — Brooke Williamson, Tiffany Derry, and Michael Voltaggio — in challenges themed around specific ingredients, meals, and flavors. During this block, expect a fried chicken battle, “Cajun Asian” dishes, and more.

Beat Bobby Flay

July 3 at 5:00 PM ET through July 4 at 4:00 AM ET

Bobby Flay has so much confidence in his culinary skills that he created an entire cooking competition series in which he bets on himself to win every time. So far, his record is 258 to 158, giving him a 62% success rate, which, while impressive, does prove that maybe it’s not quite as difficult to beat him as he thought. In honor of Independence Day, this chunk of episodes kicks off with a grill master challenge to see if any chefs can use smoke better than Flay.

Alex vs. America

July 4 at 8:00 AM ET through 2:00 PM ET

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli replicates the Beat Bobby Flay model for her own cooking competition in Alex vs. America, with one twist — the dishes are judged without knowing who cooked what. The challenge takes place over two rounds, and anyone, even Alex, can be eliminated in Round 1. She kicks off this part of the marathon by attempting to make a game day dish good enough to keep her in her own competition.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

July 4 at 2:00 PM ET through July 5 at 4:00 AM ET

Most people know the drill at this point — if you’ve seen a spray-painted Guy Fieri on a restaurant wall, that means it’s been featured on Triple D. The mayor of Flavortown himself travels to the country's best diners, drive-ins, and dives to get a look at how the magic happens. Along the way, he perfects talking with his mouth full and highlighting each town’s local flair. In honor of grilling season, this marathon is all about the best barbecue, burgers, and everything that goes with them.

Brianna Wellen is a TV Reporter at Primetimer who became obsessed with television when her parents let her stay up late to watch E.R.