TV Notes: Enjoy the Fourth with high-def fireworks
Don’t miss
“Fourth of July Celebrations” – Fireworks look so darn pretty on TV – especially in high definition. So if you don’t feel like dealing with the outdoors crowds, know that prime time offers several holiday specials. They include: “A Capitol Fourth” (8 p.m. Wednesday, PBS), which has Tom Bergeron hosting a party on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with performances by Megan Hilty, Phillip Phillips, Javier Colon and Kool & the Gang. Then there’s the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m., NBC) with host Regis Philbin and lots of colorful pyrotechnics, and the “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (10 p.m., CBS) featuring a performance by Jennifer Hudson.
Other bets
tonight: Samuel L. Jackson is our host for the “BET Awards 2012” from Los Angeles. Highlights include a tribute to Whitney Houston and performances by Chris Brown, D’Angelo, Usher and Nicki Minaj. 8 p.m., BET.
tonight: Just ahead of the London Olympics comes “Queen & Country,” a four-part series that examines the customs surrounding the British monarchy. Part 1 focuses on “London: Royal City.” 7 p.m., KSPS.
tonight: The final season of “Weeds” picks up where we left off as our shooting victim is rushed to the hospital and the family tries to figure out who’s responsible. The Season 2 opener of “Episodes” follows. 10 p.m., Showtime.
MONDAY: Enough fooling around. “America’s Got Talent” finally gets down to business and calls upon the audience to weigh in with its votes. Tonight, 12 of the top 48 acts take the stage, but only four will advance. 9 p.m., NBC.
MONDAY: The lunacy continues on Season 2 of “Web Therapy,” the improv comedy in which Lisa Kudrow plays a therapist with little patience for her patients. The opener features an appearance by Meryl Streep. 11 p.m., Showtime.
TUESDAY: The new reality series “Haunted Highway” spends its time conducting paranormal investigations along America’s remote back roads. First up: Strange doings in Utah and Minnesota. 10 p.m., Syfy.
WEDNESDAY: Depending on your point of view, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is a grand tradition or a repulsive display of gluttony. San Jose’s Joey Chesnut, who once devoured 68 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes, returns to defend the title he has won six straight times. Noon, ESPN.
THURSDAY: “Duets” may have failed to hit a ratings high note, but it’s still trying to make some beautiful music. Tonight, the pros take the stage with their amateur partners to perform “favorite standards.” 8 p.m., ABC.
FRIDAY: “Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World” is the latest offering in the PBS Summer Arts Festival. It travels to nine countries and across 1,400 years of history to explore the artistic and architectural riches of Islam. 9 p.m., KSPS.
SATURDAY: Cesar Millan launches the final season of “The Dog Whisperer” in jolly old England, where he deals with some less than proper pooches. 8 p.m., National Geographic Wild.