TV critics picks, July 4

Fireworks and funny videos fill the lineup.

July 3, 2012 at 6:43PM
WASHINGTON - JULY 4: Fireworks explode in the sky above the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol as the nation celebrates its 229th birthday July 4, 2005 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands of people took part to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in the nation's capital which concluded with the largest fireworks display in the area.
Fireworks explode in the sky above the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol . (Getty Images/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Homemade high jinks Sure, you can watch people making idiots of themselves anytime on YouTube, but isn't it more fun when the ridicule is being led by Tom Bergeron? The "Dancing With the Stars" host oversees a 12-hour marathon of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (10 a.m., ABC Family).

Treasure hunt The few collectors who haven't already been assessed by "Antiques Roadshow" may be lining up to be part of "America's Lost Treasures" (8 p.m., NGC), a 10-part competition series in which hosts Curt Doussett and Kinga Philipps travel to 10 cities to find the most valuable keepsake being stashed in someone's attic.

Declarations of independence Those wanting some patriotic music and fireworks without having to battle the elements and crowds can celebrate the holiday through television. On-air parties include "A Capitol Fourth" (8 p.m., KTCA, Ch. 2), featuring a salute to the U.S. Olympics Team, "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" (8 p.m., KARE, Ch. 11), hosted by original Founding Father Regis Philbin, and "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" (9 p.m., WCCO, Ch. 4), which will be a live broadcast.

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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