Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper have been drinking and giggling through New Year’s Eve’s ball drop in New York City for several years running, but to mark the 250th birthday of the Nation, they return to Times Square to join the ball’s unusual re-appearance to mark July 4th at midnight. There may not be the throngs of people of year’s end, but they plan to bring on celebrity guests and correspondents on a countdown called “Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy: Celebrating 250” (CNN, 8 p.m.).
The semiquintcentennial has made it a weird holiday for a lot of reasons, mostly because of political takeover. But it’s also made the annual Capital Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital pushed up a day. “A Capital Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration” (PBS, 8 p.m., check local listings) includes Trace Adkins, Chicago, Patti LaBelle, Kool & the Gang, Carly Pearce, Alan Jackson, Loren Allred, Gary Sinise, Angel Blue, Joe Montagna, the Artemis II crew, various U.S. Olympians and the cast of Broadway’s “Just in Time.” Its fireworks display will emanate down the Potomac at Mount Vernon.
There’s a lot of holiday programming, it turns out, with “America’s 250: Red, White & You” (CBS, 8 p.m.), with hosts Lorenzo Hall and Lesli Foster presenting inspiring stories from everyday citizens.
“Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness” (ABC, National Geographic, 8 p.m.) brings celebrations from Disney theme parks. It’s followed by another “Disney Celebrates America” (ABC, National Geographic, 10 p.m.), hosted by David Muir goes to the Statue of Liberty, where Brandi Carlile sings.
And CSPAN goes to Mount Rushmore on “America 250” (CSPAN, 7:42 p.m.).
“We the People: America 250” (MS NOW, 9 p.m.) has Rachel Maddow, Jen Pesky and Ali Velshi hashing things out. But there’s also the true crime “Fatal Fourth of July” (Investigation Discovery, 9 p.m.).
And there’s an America 250 themed episode of “Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman” (USA, 10 p.m.).
The World Cup reaches the Round of 32 with Egypt vs. Australia (Fox, 2 p.m.), Cape Verde vs. Argentina (Fox, 6 p.m.) and Ghana vs. Colombia (Fox, 5:30 p.m.).
“Silo” (Apple TV, streaming), the dystopian sci-fi series, returns for its third season.
Rip and Beth confront danger on “Dutton Ranch” (Paramount 8 p.m.).
Tehmeena races her breaking point on “This is Poly” (WeTV, 9:30 p.m.).
“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (Food, 8 p.m.) gets some New Orleans food in San Diego.
Selena’s indecision about her wedding affects her bridal shower on “Belle Collective” (OWN, 8 p.m.).
“The Listeners” (Starz, 9 p.m.) catch Claire in the hum.
Raq’s war gets violent on “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” (Starz, 8 p.m.).
“The Last Woodsmen” (Discovery, 9 p.m.) are facing the approach of winter.
Turner Classic Movies begins a month-long Friday night noir series, Summer of Darkness, with “Force of Evil” (8 p.m.), “Act of Violence” (9:30 p.m.), “Criss Cross” (11 p.m.) and “Thieves Holiday” (12:45 a.m.), followed by “Against All Odds” (2:30 a.m.) and “Marlowe” (4:45 a.m.).
Baseball has St. Louis at Cubs (MLB, 4 p.m.), White Sox at Cleveland (MLB, 7 p.m.), Tampa Bay at Houston (Apple TV, 8:15 p.m.), Milwaukee at Arizona (Apple TV, 9:45 p.m.) and Toronto at Seattle (MLB, 10 p.m.).
WNBA action has Minnesota at New York (ION, 7:30 p.m.) and Chicago at Las Vegas (ION, 10 p.m.).
Auto racing has the Ashley Furniture 250 (Fox Sports 1, 8 p.m.).
There is third round play at Wimbledon (ESPN, 6 a.m.).
The NBA summer league has Miami vs. San Antonio (ESPN2, 8 p.m.) and Lakers vs. Golden State (ESPNU, 10:30 p.m.).
Late Talk
Jimmy Fallon: Elle Fanning, Shawn Hatosy, Frankie Grande, Anthony Ramos (rerun). Seth Meyers: Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Hannah Berner (rerun).