In a patriotic mood? What to watch to get in the spirit of July 4th

By Mary McNamara

June 28, 2016 12:27 PM PT

Even in this age of peak TV, the major networks take a moment to observe the birth of our nation by taking a break from premieres, finales and must-see episodes. It’s not patriotism so much as economics: the Fourth of July holiday is a time for the beach, barbecues, carnivals, pool parties, parades, picnics and fireworks.

All of which are super fun, but it’s still, you know, July. In between all those festivities, some of us may want to duck into air-conditioned comfort and grab a little screen time. If only the recently filmed-for-television version of “Hamilton” were available! Alas, according to creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, it is still resting in Gringotts vault awaiting a premiere date.

Fortunately there are plenty of things a person can watch while still remaining true blue to the holiday, including:

“1776” Before there was “Hamilton” there was “1776.” The Sherman Edwards/Peter Stone musical about the contentious Continental Congress in the days leading up to their signing of the Declaration of Independence burned up Broadway and won three Tonys before being made into a hit film starring much of the Broadway cast. No Independence Day is complete without a rousing chorus of “Sit Down, John.” Record from TCM on July 4 at 1 a.m., or buy from iTunes.
“John Adams” The HBO miniseries adapted from David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography set a new standard for historical drama. It also stars Paul Giamatti as the often-cantankerous but deceptively courageous Adams and Laura Linney as the equally brave Abigail. Hitting all the historical high notes that led to and through revolution, “John Adams” is as close as it gets to being there. Amazon Prime, HBOGo
“Roots” In History’s admirable remake of the revolutionary miniseries, Kunta Kinte (Malachi Kirby) is even more vividly defiant, as are the generations that follow. An unflinching look at American slavery, “Roots” offers a wider view of our history and another version of American heroism. If you missed it when it aired, watch it now. iTunes
“Turn: Washington’s Spies” AMC’s Revolutionary War drama revolves around the creation and exploits of America’s first spy organization. The second season is stronger than the first, and the third just wrapped up, but all are engaging, based on often-surprising fact and well-immersed in the period. Netflix for seasons 1 and 2, AMC.com for Season 3.
“Sleepy Hollow” Speaking of Gen. Washington and his various spies, Fox’s supernatural crisscross of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with a “Da Vinci Code”-like vision of the Founding Fathers (they were Masons! Which in fiction can mean Just About Anything!) in modern New York state is as entertaining a “history” lesson as you’re going to find. (Timothy Busfield as an air-bath-taking Ben Franklin is just one of the delights.) Though Season 3 ended with a fan-infuriating twist, the first two seasons are well worth the watch. Hulu.
“Felicity: An American Girl Adventure.” Before she was the revolutionary heroine of the “Divergent” series, Shailene Woodley was a heroine of the American Revolution. Well, of the times in which the revolution occurred. Co-starring Marcia Gay Harden as Felicity’s mother and produced by Julia Roberts, it is fine family fare even for those who are not a fan of the doll empire. iTunes
“Last of the Mohicans.” OK, it’s the French and Indian War, and the British need protecting, but still it’s colonial history and, more important, Daniel Day-Lewis at his heartthrob peak. Amazon Prime.
“Band of Brothers.” Based on Stephen Ambrose’s account of a 101st Airborne Division company during World War II, “Band of Brothers” is also out of period but if the men of Easy Company don’t make you feel patriotic, nothing in this world will. Amazon Prime, HBOGo.