CLEVELAND, Ohio — Fourth of July specials and a new Fox parody show are among the week’s high-profile viewing choices:
“What Just Happened??! with Fred Savage” (9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30, WJW Channel 8): This new Fox comedy is a parody of such television “aftershows” as AMC’s “The Talking Dead.” Fred Savage plays himself as the host of a faux discussion program that follows weekly episodes of “The Flare,” and a panel of guests discussing each week;s episode of “The Flare,” a fictional science-fiction drama based on fictional author TJ Whitford’s book series, “The Moon Is the Sun at Night” (also non-existent). We learn that the Whitford novels have been favorites with Savage since childhood and he’s dedicated to exploring the fandom surround the TV series based on them. Each week, he welcomes a panel of guests to dissect recent developments on “The Flare” (guest stars for the first season include Ken Jeong, Joel McHale, filmmaker Kevin Smith, “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan and Savage’s co-star on “The Grinder,” Rob Lowe).
“Macy’s 4th of July Firework Spectacular” (8 p.m. Thursday, July 4, WKYC Channel 3): Classic music from American movies is the theme for the annual New York City fireworks display aired by NBC. Performers for the holiday special include country singers Maren Morris, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan. “World of Dance” judge Derek Hough and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ciara are co-hosts.
“A Capitol Fourth” (8 p.m. Thursday, July 4, WVIZ Channel 25 and WEAO Channel 49): Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, this year’s PBS special features returning host John Stamos and such performers as Carole King, Vanessa Williams, Lee Brice, Anjelica Hale and the O’Jays. Also scheduled are the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. The fireworks finale includes Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with cannon fire.