Courtesy PBS
Programming notes here. The line-up of televised Fourth of July celebrations on the various networks are mostly live, so there are no review screeners. But then,what’s the likelihood there’s going to be inappropriate content in any of these things?
Good question, actually. What you call inappropriate and what I call inappropriate and what the networks call inappropriate are not always the same thing.
Secondly, why, in heaven’s name, would anybody stay in and watch fireworks on TV instead of going out to their local community display and enjoying that? The only reason I can think of is that you’re homebound for some reason. A bad case of the flu. A broken limb. The local display got rained out. Or you’ve got young ‘uns in the house who will watch anything with flavor of the moment Justin Bieber. In the last case, you record it and watch later.
So here’s the run down (and it looks like if you’ve got a real yen for fireworks and no recording equipment, you can catch everything):
America Celebrates July 4th at Ford’s Theater
Which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, since it’s airing on July 2 at 9 p.m. on ABC, but the guest line up is decent. Hosted by Ty Burrell, of Modern Family, the special was actually taped on June 6, and is the theater society’s big annual gala. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were invited – the press release doesn’t say whether they actually attended. Anyway, singer Kelly Clarkson, actor Dick Van Dyke and George Lopez do make an appearance.
A Capitol Fourth
This is the big celebration from the Mall in Washington, DC., airing at 8 p.m. on most PBS stations – double check your local listings. The Mall, of course, is that big long park that runs from the Capitol building, past the White House and the Washington Monument, all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. A lot of the Smithsonian museums are on either side, as well. Can’t remember which ones, since it has been a number of years since I’ve been there. But I have done the Mall on the Fourth, and it is one great party and well worth doing at least once in your life. The show features the stage on the West Lawn of the Capitol building. It’ll be hosted by Jimmy Smits and features rock icon Gladys Knight and country singer Reba McEntire, (who ain’t quite iconic yet). They’re finishing up with my all-time favorite piece of music, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. This is a great way to introduce classical music to your kids – I mean, a cannon as a musical instrument and fireworks? What’s not to love?
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
NBC is airing the big celebration in New York City at 9 p.m. Not only do they have Justin Bieber, the cast of the latest Twilight film, Eclipse, will be making an appearance. Oh boy, oh boy. Nick Cannon and Allison Sweeney share hosting duties.
Boston Pops Fireworks Fireworks Spectacular
The cool thing about CBS’ entry is that it starts at 10 p.m., so you can switch from PBS to NBC to CBS. Also, late night host Craig Ferguson will be hosting this affair, featuring singer Toby Keith and the iconic orchestra playing their annual gig at the Esplanade next to the Charles River. Cool note, the final 20 minutes of the broadcast which includes, but presumably is not limited to, the fireworks display, will be presented without commercial interruption.
Finally, there will probably not be a post on Monday, July 5, even though there is a new SpongeBob special at 8 p.m. on Nickelodeon, The Clash of Triton. Looks like the Porous One’s take on Greek mythology. Yes, I am afraid. I am very afraid. I am trying to relax and spend time with my husband and friends this weekend, so I may not actually get around to reviewing the show. But at least you know it’s there.
Have a very happy Fourth of July.
