One word comes to mind when thinking about television programming on the Fourth of July: marathons.
And as telling about American culture as running a gantlet of "Cheaters" and "American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior" may be, there are plenty of options that aren't meant to make us feel dirty.
Here's a guide to programs celebrating the United States with fireworks, music, history lessons and more. Not that any of this means we won't be watching "Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood" (11:30 a.m. on BET).
8 a.m.
"John Adams" (HBO) - With Paul Giamatti as the title character and Laura Linney as his wife, Abigail, the 2008, seven-part miniseries covers more than 45 years of Adams' life, starting in 1770 and through his death at age 90. (8 hours)
9:15 a.m.
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"The Scarlet Coat" (Turner Classic Movies) - Director John Sturges' 1955 take on the Benedict Arnold (Robert Douglas) story. (105 minutes)
11 a.m.
"1776" (Turner Classic Movies) - The 1972 film tells the back story of the struggle to write, and get a majority to sign, the Declaration of Independence - with song. Blythe Danner plays Martha Jefferson, Ken Howard plays Thomas Jefferson. (180 minutes)
"How the States Got Their Shapes" marathon (History) - Host Brian Unger (formerly of "The Daily Show") traverses America uncovering the political, religious and economic explanations behind why Oklahoma looks like a meat cleaver, Nevada has the sharp angles of a supermodel and more. (12 hours)
5 p.m.
"A Capitol 4th" (KUAT) - The annual concert, again hosted by Jimmy Smits, includes performances by Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Josh Groban, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard (with the cast of "Million Dollar Quartet") and the National Symphony Orchestra. From the West Lawn of the Capitol. (90 minutes, repeats at 7 and 9)
6 p.m.
"Sunny's All-American Celebration" (Food Network) - Sunny Anderson ("Cooking for Real"), a former military radio host, looks at how military chefs are trained and returns home to cook for veterans. (60 minutes)
"Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip" (HBO) - Documentarian Alexandra Pelosi, Nancy's daughter, follows naturalization ceremonies in all 50 states, chatting with attendees about the whys and hows of their journeys to become American citizens. Voices from famous first-generation Americans - including Gene Simmons, Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright - are heard as well. (60 minutes, repeats at 9)
8 p.m.
"Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" (NBC) - With Nick Lachey as your host, the Peacock goes for the stars with performances by Beyoncé and Brad Paisley. (60 minutes)
"Ron White's Comedy Salute to the Troops" (CMT) - It's a country celebration at the Grand Ole Opry House, with performances by comedians Lewis Black, Tim Wilson and Kathleen Madigan, and singer Bonnie Bramlett. (90 minutes, repeats at 9:30)
8:30 p.m.
"3, 2, 1 Fireworks" (KUAT) - This documentary goes behind the scenes of the annual fireworks display in Washington, D.C., from the production of the explosives in China to the folks who put on the pyrotechnic display. (30 minutes)
9 p.m.
"Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" (CBS) - Hosted by Michael Chiklis ("The Shield"), who will sing with the Boston Pops, with Lionel Richie, the United States Army Field Band and Chorus and fireworks over the Charles River. (60 minutes)
