On July 4, Americans celebrate independence from British tyranny with fireworks and barbecues. Television celebrates the fourth with all-day marathons of dramatic interpretations of how we gained our freedom and defended it against our enemies, especially those pesky aliens from outer space.
Headlines & Global News has a handy guide at what best to watch this Fourth of July in between picnics and fireworks.
“Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” on NBC at 8 p.m.
The lights already shine bright across the New York Skyline but the city will light up under the colorful array of fireworks that explode over the New York harbor and Lady Liberty herself.
“Today” show co-anchor Willie Geist and MSNBC anchor Tamron Hall will co-host the 39th annual event with performances by Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Flo Rida and Meghan Trainor.
“A Capitol Fourth” on PBS at 8 p.m.
Our nation's capital celebrates America’s birthday with an all-star concert on The Mall in Washington D.C. "The West Wing" star Bradley Whitford will host the 35th annual event for the first time. He’ll be joined by performers including Barry Manilow, Alabama, Nicole Scherzinger, Hunter Hayes, Meghan Linsey, KC and the Sunshine Band, Lang Lang, Ronan Tynan and Robert Davi.
Conductor Jack Everly will lead the National Symphony Orchestra alongside performances by the Choral Arts Society of Washington, The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery.
"Sons of Liberty" on HISTORY at 12 p.m.
The three-part miniseries tells the stories of the men who fought for America’s independence across the 13 colonies. The series highlights the stories of Sam Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride.
"Independence Day" on AMC at 1 p.m. (repeats)
On the eve of July 4, aliens descend upon planet Earth with plans to invade and destroy the human race. Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) takes the lead against the extra-terrestrial invasion led by his brave commander-in-chief Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) who gives one of the most patriotic speeches in cinematic history.
“Drunk History” on Comedy Central at 11:30 a.m.
Learn about our forefathers with a glass of scotch (or four) with the Drunk History marathon. Funny comedians and popular celebrities drink up as they narrate the historic reenactments. The stories of the past include Elvis Presley meeting President Richard Nixon at the White House, the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst and many more.
“The American President” and “Dave” on Pop at 2 p.m.
It’s a presidential double feature! Aaron Sorkin’s first explored the White House in “The American President” starring Michael Douglas as the charming, widowed President Andrew Shepherd who courts an environmental lobbyist. Kevin Kline takes the temporary position as the most powerful man in the world thanks to his uncanny resemblance to the actual President of the United States, who has fallen into a coma.
TCM Movie Marathon starting at 6:15 a.m.
Turner Classic Movies kicks off the fourth with a round of musicals including “On the Town” (1949), “Annie Get Your Gun” (1950) and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954). The movies then travel back to the American Revolution in “The Scarlet Coat” (1955), “The Devil’s Disciple” (1959) and “1776” (1972).
The 1989 comedy “Miss Firecracker” bridges the gap into another round of patriotic musicals including “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942), “The Music Man” (1962) and “Rosalie” (1937).
