Fantastic Fireworks on CBS, PBS and NBC -- and More TiVoWorthy TV for July 4

Happy 4th of July!

Published: July 4, 2008 at 02:27 AM GMT
Last Updated: July 4, 2008 at 02:27 AM GMT

By Ed Martin

FRIDAY, JULY 4

A Capitol Fourth (PBS, 8 p.m. ET)
Live. Jimmy Smits hosts live coverage of the annual Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C., which culminates in a spectacular fireworks display. Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell and the National Symphony Orchestra will perform. You can get more deets from Smits himself.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (NBC, 9 p.m. ET)
Live. Kenny Chesney, Natasha Bedingfield and American Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee perform during NBC’s live coverage of Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber are the hosts.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS, 10 p.m. ET)
Live. Craig Ferguson hosts CBS’ live coverage of the 35^th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Country music superstars Rascal Flatts and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will perform. The final 23 minutes, featuring the breathtaking fireworks display over the river, will be telecast commercial free.

Mabe in America (CMT, 10:30 p.m. ET)
Series Premiere. Comedian Tom Mabe – who is known for comically tormenting telemarketers, God love him – stars in this new hidden camera prank show.

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