July 4 weekend TV: Fireworks, catfights and 'Rebel Monkeys'

Fireworks explode over the National Mall in Washington, D.C.during the 2009 July 4th celebration. This year's A Capitol Fourth starts Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

We are enjoy this July 4 weekend TV: Fireworks, catfights and 'Rebel Monkeys'


Even as you read this, sweaty hordes are swarming popular fireworks viewing spots to claim the patch of grass from which they will ooh and ahh. But if you're more the misanthropic sort, you might consider enjoying these TV specials and marathons in air-conditioned, solitary splendor:
Boom!

A Capitol Fourth (PBS, 8 p.m. ET/PT) Jimmy Smits hosts this year's concert on the National Mall, featuring American Idolalumnus David Archuleta, Blowfish-turned-country star Darius Rucker, Gladys Knight and Reba McEntire. Dukes of Hazzard actor and country singer John Schneider will be there, too, but the Park Police wouldn't authorize parking for the General Lee.

DETAILS: What to expect from 'A Capitol Fourth'
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (NBC, 9 p.m. ET/PT) Nick Cannon and Alison Sweeney host this year's fireworks fest over the New York skyline. This one's targeted at the tweens — Justin Bieber and the Twilight cast are on the bill.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS, 10 p.m. ET/PT) The pyrotechnical party continues on up the Northeast corridor to Beantown, where the city's famed orchestra supplies the John Philip Sousa soundtrack.

Time with the (dysfunctional) family

Bethenny Getting Married; Real Housewives of New Jersey. (Bravo, 1-7 p.m ET/PT) On this day of national pride, Bravo counter-programs with a six-hour reminder of why some folks hate America.

Star Wars Marathon (Spike, 9 a.m.- 3 a.m. ET/PT) All six chapters of the Skywalker saga. Spike is being kind enough to save the original trilogy until after you've kicked your barbecue guests out.

Oh Say Can You OC Marathon (Soap, 3-7 p.m. ET/PT) Celebrate Chrismukkah in July with the Cohens and Coopers.

Run's House (Style, noon-4 p.m. ET/PT; 11 p.m.-3 a.m. ET/PT) Spend the holiday at the Run-DMC rapper's Saddle Ridge, N.J. manor.



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