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Fourth-coming TV: NBC, PBS present premium Fourth of July entertainment
By Dana SimpsonThis Fourth of July, TV viewers can enjoy countless hours of patriotic entertainment, ranging from unique, televised festivals to special episodes of favorite TV shows and major Hollywood films — we’re looking at you “Independence Day” (1996) — across several networks.
Among the most notable viewfrom-home programs are Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC and PBS’s “A Capitol Fourth,” which airs from the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. As the events broadcast nationwide, however, please be sure to check your local listings for times and any additional information or local events.
This year, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular airs live from New York City’s East River on NBC and its streaming platform,
Peacock. The 47th celebration of its kind, the event coordinators have promised “serious star power, electrifying performances and heart-pounding pyrotechnics.”
While the complete list of stars taking part in the event has yet to be announced as of press time, significant information has been shared regarding the musical score and performance, presided over by musical director Ray Chew (whose credits include “Showtime at the Apollo,” “American Idol,” “Dancing With the Stars” and more). “I am thrilled to be back to compose the fireworks score for the Macy’s team and NBC,” Chew said in a statement. “This year, we will recognize trailblazers as we celebrate our country’s independence through the voices of young people.”
Helping Chew to realize his vision for the score is the U.S. Army Field Band, accompanied by Sgt. First Class Kyra Dorn’s “incredibly soulful vocals” for “God Bless America” and other well-known pieces. Additionally, rappers, R&B artists and fellow Staff Sgts. Nicholas Feemster and Lamar Riddick take to the mic for a heartfelt rendition of “Sea to Shining Sea.”
For those in or close to Manhattan and who wish to be a part of the three million or more attendees this year, the Macy’s Spectacular is a free event, and more information — including the full list of artists, celebrities and performers, once announced — can be found online at Macys.com/ fireworks.
Over on PBS, meanwhile, a party kicks off in the nation’s
capital. Airing live (and in replay) from the Capitol in Washington, D.C., this year’s “A Capitol Fourth” is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) and is sponsored by Boeing. The biggest draw of this event is without a doubt the concerts, which are open to on-site attendees and broadcast crews all night on the grounds’ West Lawn. The full list of performers can be found at PBS.org/a-capitol-fourth.
Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without special recognition of the armed forces. “A Capitol Fourth” 2023 is proud to welcome the Military District of Washington, the United States Army Band “Perishing’s Own,” The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and the United States Presidential Salute
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The STREAM Scene
July 2
“Barrabrava:
Season 1”
A drama that goes beyond sport, Barrabrava is a story of power, ambition, family, love, and lust following César (Gastón Pauls) and Polaco (Matías Mayer), brothers and key pieces in the operation of the barra brava, a group of soccer hooligans, of Club Atlético Libertad del Puerto. Historically led by “El Tío” (Gustavo Garzón), the two brothers are expelled from the barra of their beloved club after a fierce internal fight.
WebLinks
July 2
“Movie: Nature
Calls”
After his troops ditch him for a slumber party at the posh home of his rival brother (Johnny Knoxville), a scoutmaster (Patton Oswalt) lures the youths away in the middle of the night for an ill-advised camping trip. Rob Riggle, Patrice O’Neal and Maura Tierney also star.
July 4
“Special: Tom Segura: Sledgehammer”
Tom Segura returns to Netflix with his fifth comedy special following 2014’s “Completely Normal,” 2016’s “Mostly Stories,” 2018’s “Disgraceful” and 2020’s “Ball Hog.” Performing to an energized sold-out crowd in Phoenix, Tom explores his “admiration” for Brad Pitt, what it’s like raising two sons, and the lessons he’s learned from sharing his gummies with his mother.
In Focus
“The Afterparty - Season 2” (Apple TV+ — Season Premiere, July 12) This comedic murder mystery series explores a different character’s account of one fateful evening, all told through the lens of popular film genres and unique visuals to match the storyteller’s perspective. In Season 2, a wedding is ruined when the groom is murdered and every guest is a suspect. Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) returns to help Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoe Chao) solve the crime.
July 2
“SharkFest”
Sink your teeth into summer with 72 hours of programming about one of the ocean’s most fascinating and misunderstood creatures. Airing on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN2, this month-long shark celebration features programs that use cutting-edge technology to inform and entertain with explosive and celebratory shark programming.
Fan-favorite contractor Mike Holmes (“Holmes on Homes”) teams up with his kids, Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, to rescue clients who have nowhere else to turn after living through botched construction jobs, taking another stranded client in this new episode from Season 2 of “Holmes Family Rescue,” premiering Wednesday, June 5, on HGTV. Information on the series, episode descriptions and more can be found at: hgtv.com/shows/ holmes-family-rescue
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
Sports Zone
bestof ...
BY JAY BOBBIN2 x 2” ad
Costa Rica vs. TBA. (Live) W edne S day
6 a.m. ESPN 2023 Wimbledon Championships Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Second Round.
(Live)
6:30 a.m. GOLF Ladies Euro Tour Golf Ladies Open, Second Round.
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8 a.m. USA 2023 Tour de France Stage 5. (Live)
8:30 a.m. GOLF Ladies Euro Tour Golf Ladies Open, Final Round. (Live)
9:30 p.m. SNY MLB Baseball New York Mets at Arizona Diamondbacks.
(Live)
10 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Dodgers. (Live)
t hur S day
6 a.m. ESPN 2023 Wimbledon Championships Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Second Round.
(Live)
7 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Made in HimmerLand, First Round. (Live)
8 a.m. USA 2023 Tour de France Stage 6. (Live)
12 p.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Made in HimmerLand, First Round.
(Live)
4 p.m. GOLF
playerprofile
BY ROBERTO JOZEFGauff looks to recreate Wimbledon magic
The lawns of the All England Club have been prepped for another chapter of Wimbledon history, as one of the tournament’s rising stars, Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff, gets set for what’s expected to be a thrilling showdown. Born to parents with NCAA Division I backgrounds, the highest level for college athletes, she always had a warm push to involve herself in sports and make it a career. Gauff, at the young age of 19, has been cementing her name in the history books, putting on displays of her raw talent, relentless work ethic and raising the bar of expectations at every tournament. She first put herself on the map at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships when she shocked the world by defeating the legendary Venus Williams in the first round as a 15-year-old wild card, securing a dominant 6-4, 6-4 victory. She became the youngest player to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon since 1991.
Shortly after, she took her talents to the U.S. Open, where she once again became the youngest player to advance to the third round since 1991, later losing to Naomi Osaka. Despite the early setbacks, Gauff remained determined to grow and continue pushing herself.
Starting off 2020 ranked at No. 67, Gauff reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, giving her three Grand Slam appearances in a row with at least a fourth-round finish. While she has still yet to accomplish the ultimate feat of winning a Grand Slam championship, she’s been knocking on the door consistently. Last season she recorded her best major singles finish when she reached the French Open final, losing to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
As the tennis world turns its focus to London, Gauff carries not just her own hopes but also the spirit of tennis’s bright future. As she continues to refine her skills and gain accolades, she looks poised for a better outcome at this year’s Wimbledon Championship.
FACTS:
Full name: Cori Dionne (Coco) Gauff
Birth date: March 13, 2004
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia
Height/weight: 5-9/121
pounds Fun Facts: Coco is currently ranked No. 6 in the world for singles and No. 3 in the world for doubles. Her favorite walkout songs are by The Weeknd, Jaden
ESPN NBA G League Basketball Teams TBA.
(Live) GOLF PGA Tour Golf
John Deere Classic, Second Round. (Live)
9:30 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at Arizona Diamondbacks. (Live)
SNY MLB Baseball New York Mets at San Diego Padres. (Live)
11 p.m. ESPN NBA G League Basketball Teams TBA. (Live)
FS1 Mexico Primera Division Soccer Juárez vs. Tigres UANL. (Live)
12 a.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, Second Round. (Live) S aturday
7:30 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Made in HimmerLand, Third Round.
(Live)
8 a.m. ESPN 2023 Wimbledon Championships Third Round. (Live)
9:55 a.m. ESPN2 Formula
Smith and Childish Gambino. Honors and achievements:
Australian Open (4R) (2020, 2023), French Open (F) (2022), Wimbledon (4R) (2019, 2021), U.S. Open (QF) (2022).
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942): One of the true Warner Bros. classics, this biography of master “born on the Fourth of July” showman George M. Cohan boasts one of screen history’s truly iconic performances as James Cagney — rightfully awarded an Oscar for his work here — does alternately energetic and, particularly in the home stretch, quietly affecting work. The film was released just a few months before Cohan’s death, and it’s said that he saw and enjoyed Cagney’s portrayal.
Solution is on page 6.
Second Round. (Live)
8 a.m. USA 2023 Tour de France Stage 7. (Live)
12 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, First Round. (Live)
4 p.m. FS1 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio, Qualifying. (Live)
GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, Second Round. (Live)
6 p.m. FS1 ARCA Menards Series Mid-Ohio. (Live) USA 2023 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship Second Round. (Live)
7 p.m. ESPN NBA G League Basketball Teams TBA. (Live) GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, Second Round. (Live)
9 p.m. CNBC Track and Field Outdoor Championships. (Live)
1 Racing Great Britain Grand Prix, Qualifying.
(Live)
1 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, Third Round. (Live)
WGRZ-2 WICU-12
Motorcycle Racing AMA Pro Motocross Championship: The Wick 338. (Live) WKBW-7 2023 Wimbledon Championships (Live)
WPIX-11 LIV Golf League London, Day 2. (Live)
1:30 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball Seattle Storm at New York Liberty. (Live)
FS1 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio.
(Live)
BEST JULY 4TH MOVIES
An annual holiday staple of Turner Classic Movies, the film runs there again Tuesday, July 4.
“The Music Man” (1962): Though it’s ultimately about more than Independence Day, the holiday does figure into Meredith Willson’s wonderfully tuneful musical that boasts a career-defining performance by Robert Preston as “Professor”
Harold Hill, the con artist who promises Iowa townsfolk that he’ll organize a marching band. The piece’s heaping helping of nostalgic American life remains irresistible. TCM also has this on Tuesday, July 4.
“1776” (1972): With its title and theme, this surely merits inclusion here. Produced by former studio mogul Jack L. Warner, who was no stranger to patriotic movies, this adaptation of the stage hit — retaining much of the original Broadway cast, very much to its credit — gave a musical slant to the signing of the Declaration of Independence by John Adams (played by William Daniels), Benjamin Franklin (Howard Da Silva), Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) and others. And yes, TCM serves this up again as well on Tuesday, July 4.
“Jaws” (1975): The centerpiece of the blockbuster thriller that put director Steven Spielberg on the map is the July 4th celebration on New England’s Amity Island, whose profit-minded mayor (Murray Hamilton) refuses to issue warnings about the Great White shark that has started to decimate the population. He comes to regret that decision ... as do Police Chief Martin Brody, hunter Quint and shark expert Matt Hooper (Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss), who become seafaring partners in tracking down the lethal marauder.
“Independence Day” (1996): Well, of course. This earthlings-vs.-aliens adventure is a July 4th natural, and the title still does represent a battle for freedom ... if much more sophisticated technically than what our nation’s forefathers experienced. Bill Pullman (as the U.S. president), Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox and Judd Hirsch are among the stars - but as a fighter pilot, Will Smith makes a particular impact, thanks to his frequently humorous rejoinders upon being attacked by extraterrestrials.
Solution is on page 11.
BY JAY BOBBINQ: With “Endeavour on Masterpiece” coming to its end, are you a fan of detective shows anyway?
A: Because of the nature of the work, it can kind of ruin watching stuff because you can sort of see the (connections in the mystery) … for me, at least. You can see, “Oh, there’s the red herring. There’s the this or the that.” That’s not about American shows, that’s just about shows in general. Also, I find it quite difficult when you are working to watch other stuff, because it takes you out of the moment.
Q: You’ve played Endeavour Morse both with and without a mustache. Which do you prefer?
A: I don’t mind it. I like it. I think it’s cool. What I think is terrific, if you’re telling a long-form story, is that you can change a little bit and the audience will go with that. I also like it as an idea as a sort of metaphor for not being able to look in the mirror or try to change yourself in a way. I didn’t really think too deeply about it, to be totally honest with you.
Q: You’ve also directed several episodes of “Endeavour on Masterpiece.” How was it to do that job while also acting in the show?
A: It was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. I’d been directing for a few years prior to that, but it was the first time I’d done anything that I was in. And it was extraordinary because you realize what you can achieve if you’re prepared and if you’ve got a good team around you. We shot my episode, the (first) one that I directed, first (that season). And then I did my edit in post-production over the weekend while we were shooting the next three episodes. So that was challenging, only in terms of trying to keep a couple of stories in your head at all times and to give every moment its full weight and attention. But it’s an extraordinary opportunity, and I just wanted to make the most of it.
“Foundation: Season 2” (Apple TV+ — Season Premiere, July 14)
ence fiction writer Isaac Asimov, this series adaptation of his work chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire. The series stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey.
Crossword Puzzle
Shaun Evans
BY JAY BOBBINENDEAVOUR ON MASTERPIECE ON PBS
Q: With “Endeavour on Masterpiece” coming to its end, are you a fan of detective shows anyway?
A: Because of the nature of the work, it can kind of ruin watching stuff because you can sort of see the (connections in the mystery) … for me, at least. You can see, “Oh, there’s the red herring. There’s the this or the that.” That’s not about American shows, that’s just about shows in general. Also, I find it quite difficult when you are working to watch other stuff, because it takes you out of
In Focus
“Foundation: Season 2” (Apple TV+ — Season
Premiere, July 14)
Based on the award-winning novels by legendary science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, this series adaptation of his work chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire. The series stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey.
Nobel Prize-winning author Wiesel
Cable inits.
Q: You’ve played Endeavour Morse both with and without a mustache. Which do you prefer?
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A: I don’t mind it. I like it. I think it’s cool. What I think is terrific, if you’re telling a long-form story, is that you can change a little bit and the audience will go with that. I also like it as an idea as a sort of metaphor for not being able to look in the mirror or try to change yourself in a way. I didn’t really think too deeply about it, to be totally honest with you.
The identity of the featured celebrity is found within the answers in the puzzle. In order to take the TV Challenge, unscramble the letters noted 2
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Q: You’ve also directed several episodes of “Endeavour on Masterpiece.” How was it to do that job while also acting in the show? start to finish. I’d been directing for a few years prior to that, but it in. And it was extraordinary because you realize what you can good team around you. directed, first (that season). And then I did my edit in post-production next three episodes. So that was challenging, only in terms of trying times and to give every moment its full weight and attention. But it’s wanted to make the most of it.
Solution is on page 11. 3