On Thursday, the 97th annual parade will air live on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 a.m. in its respective time zones. The parade is set to feature a cornucopia of festivities, including 25 balloons.
Among the balloons are seven new additions, and here's everything you need to know about them:
1.Po from Kung Fu Panda
According to a press release, this is Po's grand return to the parade in the form of an entirely new balloon. The Kung Fu Panda character previously appeared in parades between 2010 and 2012. His return is in support of the latest film in the franchise. Kung Fu Panda 4 is expected to be released in theaters on March 8, according to the release.
2.Pillsbury Doughboy
Though the Pillsbury mascot has previously appeared in the parade over the years, the Doughboy is returning this year as a new balloon, which includes a new pose. Now he has his right hand to his face, but the previous balloon featured him with his hands out.
3.Beagle Scout Snoopy
Snoopy is the longest-running character to appear in the parade, having made his debut in 1968. This year, he's coming back in a Beagle Scout uniform. According to a press release, this is to celebrate the Beagle Scouts' 50th anniversary of appearing in the Peanuts comic strip. The new balloon is also a nod to the upcoming Apple TV+ animated series, Camp Snoopy.
4.Uncle Dan from Migration
Uncle Dan is one of the characters in the upcoming animated film Migration. The movie, which arrives in theaters on Dec. 22, is about a family of ducks who get sidetracked on their migration south. Danny DeVito voices Uncle Dan, while Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, and Carol Kane have roles, too.
5.Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
The One Piece character is joining the parade for the first time. Monkey D. Luffy is a central figure of the manga series that began in 1997 and the TV show which started in 1999.
6.Blue Cat and Chugs from Cool Cats
Cool Cats is a series of NFTs as well as the home for a digital series featuring their notable characters. According to a press release, Cool Cats is the first NFT collection to feature in the parade. The balloon specifically depicts the character of Blue Cat and his friend Chugs, who is a milk carton. Here's the balloon being inflated ahead of a test flight:
7.Finally, Leo the Lizard from Leo
Voiced by Adam Sandler, Leo is the main character of the Netflix animated film, Leo. The movie follows the lizard who yearns for a life outside of being a class pet. The film features a supporting cast of characters voiced by actors including Bill Burr, Jason Alexander, Cecily Strong, Allison Strong, Heidi Gardner, Rob Schneider, Stephanie Hsu, and Jo Koy.
