These Are the Best Fourth of July Specials on TV

Jun 30, 2017

Independence Day is almost here! Whether you plan to throw a tailgate party with your crew or host a family-friendly barbecue, at some point during the holiday, food and drinks alone may not be enough entertainment to hold your guests’ attention. (Although these Fourth of July-themed donuts, smoothies, and Pop Rocks treats are sure to be a lasting hit.) Fortunately, there are plenty of patriotic TV specials to turn on when the celebrations start to lag, from live fireworks displays to the movies that have come to represent our great nation.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, NBC, 8pm ET

The country’s largest fireworks display, with over 40,000 fireworks exploding over NYC’s Hudson River, will feature performances from Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Hailee Steinfeld, Heather Headley, Craig Campbell, the USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York, opera singer Jamie Barton, and the West Point Glee Club and band. American Ninja Warrior co-hosts Kristine Leahy, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Matt Iseman will be hosting the 41st annual event, broadcast live at 8pm ET, with an encore showing at 10pm, on NBC.

A Capitol Fourth, PBS, 8pm ET

John Stamos (with his enviable hair and killer smile) will be hosting this salute to our country, broadcast live from the West Lawn in Washington, DC. In addition to a grand fireworks display, there will be performances from The Beach Boys featuring John Stamos and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, The Blues Brothers’ Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, Kellie Pickler, The Four Tops, Yolanda Adams, The Voice season 12 winner Chris Blue, Laura Osnes, and the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly. Sofia Carson will sing the national anthem to open the show, and Trace Adkins will perform a tribute to our active and veteran servicemen and women. The entire event will be broadcast live at 8pm ET, with an encore showing at 9:30pm, on PBS and over the airwaves on NPR.

Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, ESPN2, 12pm ET

ESPN2 will be taking us back to the corner of Surf and Stillwell in Coney Island for Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, where pro eater Joey Chestnut will be competing for his 10th men’s title after setting a new contest record last year by eating 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes, though 2015 winner Matt Stonie and up-and-comer Carmen Cincotti will be bringing their A-game too. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo will compete for her fourth straight title after downing 38.5 dogs last year. Consider that extra burger as preparation for next year’s competition as you watch this year’s event live at 12pm ET, with encore showings at 4pm and 10pm, on ESPN2.

America the Story of Us, History, 7am ET

If docu-series are more your speed, the History channel will be marathoning every episode of America the Story of Us, taking you through 400 years of American history with impressive CGI animation, re-creations, and interviews.

Independence Day, E!, 6am ET

Starting at 6am, E! will be playing the 1996 hit movie Independence Day, with Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and Vivica A. Fox, on repeat for 24 hours. That is eight times back-to-back.

The Patriot, WGN America, 7pm ET

WGN America will be playing another star-spangled film directed by Roland Emmerich, 2000’s The Patriot with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, one time only at 7pm.

Armageddon, A&E, 8pm ET

A&E will be playing Armageddon, the 1998 blockbuster about NASA saving the world — with Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, and more — at 8pm, with an encore showing after midnight. Trust us; you won’t want to miss a thing.

Tom Hanks Marathon, Spike, 12:30pm ET

Spike will be showcasing (arguably) America’s favorite actor, Tom Hanks, first in his Oscar-winning role in 1994’s Forrest Gump at 12:30pm, then in his 1998 role in Saving Private Ryan at 4pm. They will encore the pair of movies beginning at 8pm.

Superhero Marathon, FX, 7am ET

Showcasing a different kind of American hero, FX will hold a superhero marathon of Green Lantern, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, capping off the day with encore showings of Captain America: The First Avenger and Green Lantern. It all starts at 7am.

National Lampoon’s Marathon, AMC, 12pm ET

Moving along to American classics, AMC will have a National Lampoon’s marathon with National Lampoon’s Vacation, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, and Vegas Vacation, followed by an encore performance of the trio starting at noon.

Rocky Marathon, Sundance, 6am ET

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate achieving the American dream than with a Rocky marathon, and the Sundance channel is dishing it out with a marathon of the first four films played through twice, starting at 6am.

What will you be watching on the Fourth of July? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Yana Paskova/Getty)

8 "Cringey" Sitcoms That Aged Horribly

TV shows have the unique ability to capture the cultural pulse of their time, and sitcoms might just be the greatest example. They're packed with relevant humor and characters that are supposed to be relatable, so they quickly become staples in homes across the country.

However, as we continue to evolve as a society, so do our standards, and plenty of shows you might've watched as a kid or teen now just seem dated or even downright offensive in hindsight. Here are some classic sitcoms that, while once iconic, haven't aged well.

Scroll to see all the sitcoms that actually aged really badly...

CBS

1. How I Met Your Mother

It's natural to have flawed characters in TV series, but one How I Met Your Mother character in particular, Barney Stinson, is especially problematic. Portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, Barney is known for being manipulative and casually misogynistic.

For instance, he has a "playbook" of pick-up lines, regularly lies to women just to sleep with them, and perpetuates toxic masculinity. Barney's behavior might've been able to snag some laughs back in the day, but his disrespectful actions wouldn't be so well-received by audiences in 2025.

Warner Bros. Television

2. Two and a Half Men

Two and a Half Men continues to air on TV and stream across platforms, but that doesn't mean its premise isn't controversial.

Charlie Sheen plays Charlie Harper, a man who routinely treats women as objects for his own pleasure and perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes. Not to mention, Charlie's behavior is showcased in front of his young nephew, Jake, who becomes privy to situations that are way too mature for a kid.

Sure, there is humor in the tension between Charlie and his brother, Alan. Nonetheless, the line between comedy and inappropriate content is definitely blurred.

ABC

3. Ugly Betty

Both the title and plot of Ugly Betty probably wouldn't hold up if it were released today. The show revolves around Betty Suarez, played by America Ferrera, who is a smart, ambitious, and kind-hearted young woman. However, since she wears glasses, has braces, and doesn't follow fashion trends, she's deemed "ugly" and deals with constant ridicule after landing a job at a fashion magazine.

It's undeniable that Ugly Betty is packed with both funny and heartfelt moments. Nonetheless, the way the show treats Betty's looks and reinforces harmful beauty standards feels super outdated in our more body-positive and inclusive era.

20th Century Fox Television

4. That 70's Show

When you think of That 70's Show, you might picture the classic bell-bottom-wearing friend group sitting around, surrounded by clouds of smoke. Compared to how the character Fes, played by Wilmer Valderrama, was treated, the underage drug use seems relatively tame.

As the "foreign exchange student," Fes is not only given a name that reduces him to being an outsider, but a lot of the humor surrounding his character also just relies on racist stereotypes. That 70's Show might've intended to be lighthearted, but it's tough to imagine a modern sitcom leaning on so many old tropes.

CBS

5. Everybody Loves Raymond

Despite being a funny character, Ray Barone, played by Ray Romano, reinforces problematic gender roles in Everybody Loves Raymond.

He comes off as a passive husband who typically sides with his mother over his wife, leaving his wife to shoulder much of the emotional labor and household chores. This old-fashioned family dynamic feels especially inappropriate today when modern sitcoms are trying to challenge these old stereotypes.

CBS

6. The Big Bang Theory

The initial appeal of The Big Bang Theory centered around nerd culture being quirky and odd, but today, this kind of "otherness" just isn't considered funny anymore.

Each character also has their own specific issues, with Raj's selective mutism being played for laughs, Penny embodying the "dumb blonde" stereotype, and Sheldon's behavior that's exaggerated for comedic effect. In 2025, this sitcom seems repetitive and shallow since it leans too heavily on stereotypes.

Touchstone Television

7. Home Improvement

When it comes to Home Improvement, this show pushed a traditional narrative where men are defined by their roles as the breadwinners and having handyman skills; meanwhile, a woman's value is tied to her appearance and household duties.

Tim Taylor, played by Tim Allen, is a one-dimensional character whose storyline almost totally revolves around his role as the host of "Tool Time," a fictional TV show. Not to mention, there's the "Tool Time girl," a woman whose sole purpose is to stand and look attractive while introducing Tim and his co-host. The lack of depth and outdated gender tropes make Home Improvement a tough watch today.

CBS

8. According to Jim

On a similar note, the show According to Jim features a father, played by Jim Belushi, who embodies traditional gender roles. His behavior doesn't fit the mold of the typical sitcom dad, though, since Jim is always lying to his wife and sister, interrupting others, and acting just plain rude.

In hindsight, Jim's character perpetuates misogyny and being overly macho, something that probably wouldn't fly if made today.

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5 Simple Cooking Swaps To Make Your Meals Instantly Healthier

Getting stuck in a cooking rut often means reaching for the same ingredients without realizing healthier — and just as tasty —alternatives are within easy reach. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your routine to make a difference. With just a few simple cooking swaps, you can give your favorite meals a healthy twist, cut back on refined ingredients, and enjoy more nourishing ingredients every day.

Here are five easy cooking swaps to try this week!

Shameel Mukkath

1. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

Get that creamy tang without the extra fat. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, lower in calories, and often contains probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Greek yogurt is delicious in dips, dressings, or even dolloped on tacos or (my favorite) grilled salmon.

RF._.studio _

2. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

For sautéing or drizzling, EVOO adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a flavorful upgrade that also supports better cholesterol levels than butter. Just make sure to cook it at a lower heat, under 430 degrees is recommended.

Ella Olsson

3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined

Trade white rice or pasta for brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fiber — and the secret to a healthy Mediterraneandiet — keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestive health. Cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash are also healthy alternatives to white rice and pasta and you get the added bonus of an extra veggie in your meal.

Foodie Factor

4. Swap Mayo for Avocado

Avocados, an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, make a great swap for traditional mayo in baking and preparing your favorite sandwich. Avocado oil mayo is also a healthy alternative and you'll taste nearly no difference.

Lefteris kallergis on Unsplash

5. Add Veggies to Everything

I shred cauliflower or carrots into my daughter's pancakes to give an extra nutrient boost. Sneak in shredded zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into sauces, casseroles, or even baked goods. Swap hearty mushrooms, beets or eggplant for burgers too. It’s a simple way to eat more fiber and vitamins without changing the dish, or taste, too much.

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food hacks healthy eating olive oil vegetables food

If Your Beauty Stash Needs a Spring Glow-Up, We Found the Best Buys You Need ASAP

Spring is here, and your beauty routine deserves a serious refresh! If your makeup bag, haircare lineup, or self-care stash is still stuck in winter mode, it’s time to shake things up. Think lightweight, glowy, and fresh—because dewy skin, effortless waves, and scents that scream sunshine and good vibes are officially in. We’ve rounded up the must-have beauty buys that will upgrade your routine in all the right ways, from hydrating hair heroes to makeup that melts right into your skin. Trust us, you’re going to want these in your cart immediately.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Clear Up Skin Fast With Tea Tree Face Moisturizer

Amazon

This tea tree face moisturizer is a must-have for clearer, balanced skin. Lightweight yet effective, it hydrates without clogging pores and helps calm breakouts with the power of tea tree oil. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, it delivers that fresh, clean-skin feeling while keeping excess shine in check all day long.

These Are the Best Fourth of July Specials on TV

How To Have The Best Weekend In Napa Valley, According To A Local

8 "Cringey" Sitcoms That Aged Horribly

Scroll to see all the sitcoms that actually aged really badly...

1. How I Met Your Mother

2. Two and a Half Men

3. Ugly Betty

4. That 70's Show

5. Everybody Loves Raymond

6. The Big Bang Theory

7. Home Improvement

8. According to Jim

5 Simple Cooking Swaps To Make Your Meals Instantly Healthier

Here are five easy cooking swaps to try this week!

1. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

2. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined

4. Swap Mayo for Avocado

5. Add Veggies to Everything

If Your Beauty Stash Needs a Spring Glow-Up, We Found the Best Buys You Need ASAP

Clear Up Skin Fast With Tea Tree Face Moisturizer

Level Up Skincare With Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads

Brighten Instantly With Glycolic Acid Peel Pads

Glow Up With Vitamin C Sheet Masks

Deep Clean With Dual Action Cleanser and Scrub

Wipe It All Off With Just Water Using Makeup Eraser Pro

Smooth Fine Lines With Retinol Face Cream

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Shine All Day With Tinted Lip Butter Balm

Plump and Polish Lips With Watermelon Glow Lip Balm

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Target Fine Lines With Future Renew Eye Serum

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Target All Skin Concerns With Face Serum Trio With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & Retinol

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Hold Hair Gently With Extra Fine Hair Ties