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Independence Day 2023 is here, and whether you plan to spend the day at the beach at a barbecue, or just relaxing at home, there are plenty of TV options to meet all your viewing needs.
Here’s your essential list of TV specials, movies and shows to watch and stream on July 4.
“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular “
The annual two-hour special is back. In addition to the fireworks over the Manhattan skyline on the East River, it will also feature performances by several artists including Bebe Rexha, Ja Rule, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and LL Cool J featuring DJ Z-Trip & The Roots.
This year, there will also be segments with comedian George Lopez and his daughter Mayan Lopez — who star in the NBC sitcom “Lopez vs. Lopez” — Raymond Lee (star of the “Quantum Leap” reboot) and athletes Jordan Chiles, Konnor McClain and Shilese Jones.
Where to watch: NBC (8 p.m) and Peacock.
“Hidden Figures”
This 2017 movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as three NASA mathematicians who helped to land a man on the moon. A quintessential American story from an untold angle.
Where to watch: Disney+.
“Friends”
TBS is airing a few episodes back to back in the morning, including “The One Where the Underdog Gets Away,” “The One With the Monkey” and “The One With Mrs. Bing.” None of them are specific to Independence Day – two of them are even Thanksgiving and New Year’s episodes – but it doesn’t really matter — since “Friends” is a classic American show.
Where to watch: TBS (10:30 a.m.)
“The Music Man”
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, the 1962 movie follows con man Harold Hill (Robert Preston) as he arrives in River City, Iowa, with the intention of swindling everyone by convincing them to create a marching band before he skips town with the money. Of course, his best-laid plans quickly go awry when he fails to fool town librarian and piano instructor Marian (Shirley Jones).
Where to watch: TCM (8 p.m.).
“Irreverent”
An underrated show that didn’t get much buzz when it premiered in the fall, it’s a charming and pleasant watch. The story follows Paulo (Colin Donnell), a man who works as a mediator between organized crime families in Chicago. When his career goes sideways and he’s forced to go on the run, a comedy of errors finds him pretending to be church reverend in a remote Australian town full of quirky people.
Where to watch: Peacock.
“Adventureland”
This 2009 comedy has the ultimate summer vibe. Set in 1987, it follows recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), who wants to travel abroad in Europe but can’t due to financial issues. Instead, he ends up working at a run-down amusement park, where he gets entangled with a cast of quirky characters. Co-stars include Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Reynolds.
Where to watch: Showtime and Paramount+.
“Guy’s All American Road Trip”
Fieri’s popular food series originally aired on Food Network, but Max has the entire back catalogue of episodes. The show follows Fieri and his family — wife, Lori,and sons, Hunter and Ryder — as they take a road trip around the US visiting famous attractions and exploring those regions’ food offerings.
Where to watch: Max.
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