Television series have not had a great track record for episodes featuring the Fourth of July. In the past, series were aired within the confines of distinct schedules dictated by the networks. TV shows were generally aired beginning in Fall, and ran until Spring. Reruns of the shows were guaranteed throughout Summer, and it was long wait for the next season to begin. When holidays were featured in episodes, they generally favored Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, as those fell within the network schedule.
There are a few standout series which did celebrate America’s birthday, and did so quite well. Here are a few modern classics, one amazing special in a series of specials, and an honorable mention. All American, they are… for different reasons. Not to be missed, either.
The Wonder Years
The 1993 show’s series finale episode, Independence Day, features Kevin and Winnie, the love of Kevin’s life, returning to their hometown. They’ve hitchhiked their way, and they arrive just in time to see the town’s Fourth of July parade. The show, starring Fred Savage as Kevin, is about his growing up during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and all the things which happen to him, his family and his friends during that time. The episode marks the ending of Kevin’s adolescence as well as the ending of the show. It was loved by many, and seeing Winnie and Kevin move into the next stage of their relationship as a more mature couple is the stuff of life. The grand parade, where the characters join together, is a grand finale and tribute to Americana.
The Bob Newhart Show
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The 1976 episode “Caged Fury” which featured the cast honoring America’s Bicentennial was aired later in the year. But, the storyline is classic Newhart. Bob and Emily Hartley (Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette) live in an apartment building. Their good friend and neighbor Howard is having a party to celebrate America’s historic event. Psychologist Bob’s co-workers, friends and neighbors are all invited. Bob and Emily somehow manage to get stuck in the basement. While they are struggling with being locked in, the party upstairs becomes complicated as many of the guests turn up in Uncle Sam costumes.
M*A*S*H
The 1980 episode “War for All Seasons” had the team of characters who staffed the army surgical hospital with celebrations of a year’s worth of American holidays. The surgeons, nurses and staff have a traditional Fourth of July celebration including fireworks and a picnic. But, of course, it’s during the Korean War, so they make do with creamed corn, rather than corn on the cob.
Saved by the Bell
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“Fourth of July” was part of this series Season 5. The characters are looking forward to the summer celebration as they work at The Malibu Sands. Plenty of festivities are planned, including the Fireworks Ball, the Miss Liberty Pageant, and Staff vs. Members games. In typical Screech fashion, he misreads the intent of the event and dresses up as his own Uncle Sam rather than the real version. Zack must judge his friends Lisa, jessie and Kelly through the pageant competition at the same time he’s coaching Stacey, who he adores but who also is lacking in pageant skills. Her dad is the resort’s boss, too. The day is filled with traditional American competitiveness and loads of fun.
Bob Hope’s Bicentennial Star-Spangled Spectacular
There were 58 of The Bob Hope Specials aired on NBC television during the 1970s and at least that many during the 1950s, 1960s, 1980s and 1990s. The recurring specials were regularly held during primetime, taking the spots of other programs scheduled in the time slots. The shows were sponsored by America’s great companies, General Motors, Chrysler, and Texaco. Highly popular and always featuring great comedy and wonderful guest stars, Hope’s kind of comedy drew highest percentages of television viewers during the years his specials aired. He remained one of America’s most successful and popular entertainers until he died at the age of 100.
Hope’s Bicentennial special was a comedic look at the relationship between England and her “Colonies”, which was hilarious; as Hope was born in England. He and his guests poke fun at English mannerisms, and present their musical and comedic talents. Many stars, such as Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr., The Captain and Tennille, Donny and Marie Osmond, Don Knotts, Jimmy Walker, Steve Allen, Ron Howard, Phyllis Diller, Ed McMahon and more joined Hope for this birthday celebrating America.
Honorable mention goes to John Wayne’s 1970 variety special. It was his first special aired on TV, and though it’s not part of a series, it’s certainly worth the watch. He hosted dozens of the best entertainers of the day. Though some viewed the special as formulaic, others view it with nostalgia and consider it to be an excellent example of patriotism at its finest. It was aired during a turbulent time in America, and John Wayne set out to bridge the gaps. Whether he did or not is up to debate, but the cast of entertainers is certainly stellar
John Wayne’s Tribute to America
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