The Fourth of July is a great time to get outside and enjoy the summer, but what if the weather's not cooperating with you this year? What if you're more of an indoor cat anyway, and just don't care? No worries. Here are seven Fourth of July TV episodes available on Netflix that you can use to build your own marathon and keep the American spirit alive all day.
Since many of our favorite shows aren't on during the summer, this isn't as common as, say, Christmas and Thanksgiving episodes. It's actually pretty rare to find a Fourth of July themed episode. You could always just make this the weekend to finally watch Turn: Washington's Spies instead, though that is obviously taking place before the "first" Fourth of July. If you're feeling particularly creative, why not every Gilmore Girls episode that takes place at the Independence Inn? If you're feeling particularly bummed about the state of the union, there's always House of Cards. The sitcom M*A*S*H has a good one, but that show has unfortunately left Netflix for the time being.
Still, there are plenty of Independence Day and/or particularly patriotic episodes to keep you going. Here are some options.
1. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Season 2, Episode 9, "Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody's *ss"
So this isn't exactly a Fourth of July specific episode, but nothing is more patriotic than Charlie's "Rock Flag, and Eagle" song.
2. Portlandia, Season 5, Episode 5, "Fourth Of July"
Keep Independence Day weird, Portland.
3. Saved By The Bell, Season 3, Episode 6, "Fourth Of July"
It's basically always summer at Bayside, so this is the perfect way to bring a little sunshine into your holiday.
4. The Wonder Years, Season 6, Episode 22, "Independence Day"
This also happens to be the series finale of the show, so don't jump into this if you aren't already a fan.
5. The West Wing, Season 5, Episode 3, "Jefferson Lives"
Any episode of The West Wing will get you pumped for America, and Sorkin purists might have you skip the controversial fifth season, however, this one does focus on the holiday, and the Jefferson/Adams anecdote that the episode title references is particularly fun.
6. Parks and Recreation, Season 4, Episode 20, "The Debate"
It's shocking that this show never did a Fourth of July episode, but there is plenty of patriotism to be had between Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson alone. While "The Comeback Kid" is my favorite from the campaign trail, this episode is a great example of the show's political satire.
7. Mad Men, Season 3, Episode 6, "Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency"
In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, Sterling Cooper gets "invaded" by the British. How fitting. Warning — this is the one with the lawn mower. Hopefully, these picks will inspire you to make the most of your day off and celebrate America the Netflix way!
Images: Augusta Quirk/IFC; Giphy (5)
