DON'T MISS: Fourth of July celebrations — Last year, the pandemic kept most of us cooped up inside on Independence Day. So we can't blame you if you don't want to be anchored to the couch this weekend. Still, television offers some celebratory options and pyrotechnic displays look pretty cool in HD. The highlights include "Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" (8 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC), boasting an impressive light show from New York City, along with performances by Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic, Reba McEntire and more. And then there's "A Capitol Fourth" (8 p.m. Sunday, PBS). Vanessa Williams hosts the special featuring fireworks from Washington, D.C., and performances from around the nation. The talent list includes Cynthia Erivo, Alan Jackson, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Nettles, Micky Guyton and others.
Other bets:
SUNDAY: "We the People" is a series of 10 animated music videos that presents U.S. civics lessons in fun and fresh ways. Set to songs by H.E.R., Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Andra Day and others, each episode urges viewers to reframe their understanding of what government and citizenship mean in today's world. (Netflix).
MONDAY: "Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth" kicks off the annual SharkFest event (not to be confused with Discovery's Shark Week). The hourlong special follows the hunky actor best known as Thor on a mission to explore how humans and the ocean predators can safely coexist. (8 p.m., National Geographic).
TUESDAY: Featuring 13 original short films made by artists working across genres, "The Latino Experience" is a three-part series that highlights the rich diversity of the Latinx community across the United States and Puerto Rico. The offerings range from dramas and documentaries to comedies and magical realism. (9 p.m., PBS).
WEDNESDAY: Can you believe "Big Brother" is kicking off its 23rd season? Neither can we. The reality series returns with a whole new group of lab rats — er houseguests — in a 90-minute opener. Julie Chen Moonves hosts. (8 p.m., CBS).
WEDNESDAY: We're expecting some trouble in paradise as "Love Island" heads to Hawaii for its third season. New games and challenges will test the couples' relationships, and Casa Amor will again offer tantalizing temptations. (9:30 p.m., CBS).
WEDNESDAY: Inspired by the Pixar animated film franchise, "Monsters at Work" is a series that follows Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and lands a job at Monsters, Inc. Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their roles as Mike and Sulley. (Disney+).
THURSDAY: TV's parade of reboots continues with "Gossip Girl." Set eight years after the original soapy series, it introduces us to a fresh crop of privileged New York City prep-schoolers, now dealing with the horrors of social media and other potential pitfalls. But some things remain the same: Kristen Bell reprises her role as the narrator/voice of the Gossip Girl blog. (HBO Max).
THURSDAY: As season four of "grown-ish" begins, Zoey and the gang head to Mexico for a summer getaway filled with drinking games, new hookups and some relationship drama. Oh, and there's a wedding, too. (8 p.m., Freeform).
FRIDAY: "Secret Celebrity Renovation," much like HGTV's "Celebrity IOU," has stars giving back to people who made a big difference in their lives with surprise home makeovers. In the opener, Wayne Brady rewards an aunt who helped raise him. (8 p.m., CBS).
SATURDAY: Actor Anthony Mackie is our host for "The 2021 ESPYS." The star-studded awards show, airing from New York City, celebrates the past year in sports by recognizing major achievements, unforgettable moments, and the leading performers and performances. (8 p.m., ABC).
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