Tuesday

''A Capitol Fourth''

8-9:30PM*
A Capitol Fourth (PBS, TV-G) Jason Alexander hosts, Stevie Wonder sings, and Elmo brings the cute to this annual salute to our nation's independence, live from Washington, D.C. We hear that there might even be fireworks.
*check local listings

8-9PM
A Hero's Welcome (CBS) Patrick Duffy (a.k.a. Bobby Ewing, a.k.a. Frank Lambert) honors heroic acts by everyday Americans — from a man who rescued a teenage girl trapped in icy water to a teacher who risked his own life to save his class when a student opened fire in at their school.

9-10PM
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (NBC) Nothing says ''the nation's 230th birthday'' quite like fireworks above a perfoming Nick Lachey, except for maybe fireworks above a performing Lionel Richie. Fortunately, NBC and Macy's are giving us both — plus Liza Minnelli and Bo Bice! This ragtag musical event will be hosted by Today Weekend Edition co-anchors Campbell Brown and Lester Holt.

10-11PM
An American Celebration at Ford's Theatre: The July 4th Special (ABC) This variety show was actually taped before an audience of the Washington, D.C., political eliteon June 25th so that Tom Selleck, Kevin Nealon, Steve Bridges, the country band Lonestar, and others didn't actually have to perform on the holiday.

10-11PM
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS) Hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw and Robin McGraw, because...uh...