“A Capitol Fourth” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-G, check local listings) returns for its 44th annual concert. A traditional celebration of America just two years shy of the republic’s 250th birthday, “Fourth” sets out to show just how many ways patriotism and the ideals of America can be expressed and celebrated.
Among these themes is a salute to heroes past, showcasing military heroism from 1776 to the present. There’s also a musical celebration of “The Greatest Generation” by the U.S. Army Chorus, with a special nod to “Rosie the Riveter,” the WWII-era women who worked in factories and munition plants.
Just weeks away from the Paris games, “A Capitol Fourth” will also salute Team USA with a musical sendoff from the National Symphony.
Music and history mingle as the concert notes the 65th Anniversary of Motown, the Detroit-based record label that once touted itself as “The Sound of Young America” with groups including the Supremes and Temptations, not to mention the Pips, Marvelettes and Vandellas. Smokey Robinson of the Miracles will be on hand to second that emotion.
Other performers and presenters include Fantasia, Darren Criss, Sheila E., Fitz and the Tantrums, Chloe Flower, Sister Sledge, Loren Allred, Britt Stewart, Shawn Johnson East and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly.
In addition to Motown’s major milestone, the night will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
In a paradox of patriotic traditions, America’s big day is traditionally celebrated with a Russian composer’s ode to the cataclysmic clash with French Emperor Napoleon, commonly known as Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
— Now streaming on Prime, “Space Cadet” stars Emma Roberts in a high-concept comedy of second chances. Tiffany Simpson (Roberts) once dreamed big dreams. But somewhere along the line, she became a party girl. Well into adulthood, she’s a bartender.
A chance conversation with a friend about dreams deferred results in mailing a doctored resume to NASA, out to recruit an unorthodox breed of astronaut. Passing herself off as an MIT grad and an A-level achiever, Tiffany finds herself over her head and out of this world in every way imaginable.
“Space Cadet” follows in the tradition of comedies about flighty women being tested by circumstance, from “Private Benjamin,” starring Goldie Hawn, to Reese Witherspoon’s “Legally Blonde” franchise. It’s a ditzy departure for Roberts, who has been a staple of Ryan Murphy’s terrifying “American Horror Story” universe.
— Britbox streams “Capital,” a four-part 2015 BBC adaptation of a John Lanchester’s modern-day allegory. The series, seen years back on PBS on these shores, explores a London neighborhood going through contemporary dilemmas. Everyone’s property values keep rising, but few find life “better.”
Shared anxieties rise to a simmer when neighbors begin receiving identical postcards with a single message: “We want what you have.” Is this a compliment? Or a threat? A marketing ploy or psychological warfare?
A tale of a changing city and nation, both energized by diversity and haunted by a sense that “things just aren’t the same,” “Capital” arrived just before Britain voted for Brexit in 2016.
— “Carl Weber’s The Family Business,” starring Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”), enters its fifth season, streaming on BET+. Two episodes arrive today, with new installments arriving on subsequent Thursdays.
— Max streams the 2024 monster mash “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.”
TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
— “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m. and 10 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).
— Houston hosts the quarterfinal game of “Copa America” (9 p.m., Fox).
— A country club wedding ends badly on “Elsbeth” (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).
— A recruited inmate escapes the camp on “Fire Country” (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).
CULT CHOICE
James Cagney portrays vaudeville sensation George M. Cohan in the 1942 musical biopic “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (5:30 p.m., TCM, TV-G), directed by Michael Curtiz, who also directed “Casablanca” the very same year.
SERIES NOTES
Locked out on “Young Sheldon” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) … Anticipation on “Copa Tonight” (8 p.m., Fox) … Three repeat episodes of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) … Spiritual baggage on “Ghosts” (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).
LATE NIGHT
Alicia Keys and Stephen Merchant appear on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) … Jimmy Fallon welcomes Will Ferrell and Meghan Trainor on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) … Magic Johnson, Jo Koy and Doechii and JT appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (11:35 p.m., ABC, r).
Will Forte and Ben Platt visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) … Taylor Tomlinson hosts Colton Dunn, Jess McKenna and Ana Gasteyer on “After Midnight” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r).
