There’s only one good reason for anybody to be watching TV on a holiday weekend like this one, and that’s because they or someone in the family is confined to bed.
Holidays are times to take advantage of the time off and find fun ways to connect with each other that doesn’t involve sitting around a TV screen.
But I also concede that sometimes that’s your best option. Like it hasn’t stopped raining for three days and if you have to play one more game of Candyland, you’ll re-enact your favorite Heroes episode.
So just in case you can’t get out to see fireworks live on Saturday, you’ve basically got three options. I personally recommend A Capitol Fourth, on PBS. It’s the live broadcast of the c0ncert and fireworks from the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. And I have been in DC for that show and it’s a good one.
Not only that, Jimmy Smits is hosting, Barry Manilow will be there, and if you’ve got young ‘uns, several members of the Sesame Street gang will be there, including Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch. Check your local listings for times.
At 10 p.m. on CBS, The Boston Pops will do their annual thing with Neil Diamond performing and Craig Ferguson hosting. And for those of you rolling your eyes, Diamond may have that cheesy reputation, but it ain’t as bad as Manilow’s. And Diamond does put on a good show.
Finally, NBC is aiming a tad younger with Rob Thomas and Jewel headlining their broadcast of the Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular. Also, the cast of the current revival of West Side Story will perform. This show starts at 9 p.m.
Actually, all the times are Eastern, with tape delays for us in the Mountain and Pacific zones. Sigh.
One final note – there will be no post on Monday. That’s because I’m taking Friday off. I’m going to avoid turning on my computer until Monday morning. It’s a holiday, for crying out loud. We need to relax.
Anne Louise Bannon
Your Family Viewer