Around the remote: Celebrate the Fourth with TV specials
DON’T MISS: Fourth of July specials – What’s the best thing about celebrating Independence Day in front of the TV? You can turn the volume down if the pyrotechnics get too loud. (Plus, fireworks look real pretty in HD.) This year’s programs include the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m., NBC), which lights up the sky over New York City’s East River and features performances by Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and more. Also, there’s “A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m., KSPS; 8 p.m., KCDT), a celebration of the nation’s 242nd birthday hosted by John Stamos from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Scheduled performers include Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys.
Other bets
SUNDAY: Season 5 of “Power” Picks up with James “Ghost” St. Patrick in a dangerous alliance with his former drug partner and brother-in-arms Tommy Egan, and mortal enemy Kanan Stark. As Ghost mourns the death of his daughter, he’s got vengeance on his mind. (8 p.m., Starz).
SUNDAY: “Detroit: Comeback City” is a documentary that examines how Detroit went from the engine of American capitalism to a city of ruins that is now on the cusp of an exciting rebirth. Oscar-winner and Detroit native JK Simmons narrates. (9 p.m., History Channel).
MONDAY: In 1944, Recy Taylor, a 24-year-old African-American woman, was attacked by six white men in Alabama. None were indicted. “The Rape of Recy Taylor” is a revelatory documentary that recounts how Taylor fought for justice with help from Rosa Parks and advanced the Civil Rights movement. (9 p.m., Starz).
TUESDAY: Ready to dine on squirrels and pond frogs? Those are just a couple of the delicacies featured on the new season of “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,” as our host and guide continues his global culinary quest along some of history’s most iconic routes. (9 p.m., Travel Channel).
WEDNESDAY: On the Fourth of July, it seems only proper that we get all patriotic and spend some time with “Captain America: The First Avenger.” The 2011 Marvel film tells the story of Steve Rogers who is transformed into a butt-kicking superhero after a military experiment. (9 p.m., FX).
THURSDAY: Summertime is the perfect time for some “Beach Bites With Katie Lee.” Tonight, Katie takes us to Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California. On the menu: bacon muffins, spiny lobsters, nachos, lamb burgers and a local cocktail called Buffalo Milk. (11 p.m., Cooking Channel).
FRIDAY: Jerry Seinfeld returns for another season of his roving talk show, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” This time around, he shares laughs and caffeinated conversations with, among others, Ellen DeGeneres, Alec Baldwin, Jerry Lewis, Dave Chappelle, Kate McKinnon and Dana Carvey. (Netflix).
SATURDAY: Rejoice, animal lovers. “The Incredible Dr. Pol” launches its 13th season tonight. Unflappable and enthusiastic veterinarian Jan Pol, 76, continues to travel all over rural Michigan to care for every family pet and head of livestock in need of his expertise. (9 p.m., Nat Geo).