“That's ridiculous. Why should the Bill of Rights be in the official time capsule, but this painting of my dog is in time capsule seven?” -Angry Constituent, Parks and Recreation
The Fourth of July doesn't have quite the canon as, say, Christmas or Halloween but that doesn't mean you have to spend the day outside in the sun. As we all know, the sun is dangerous and while barbecues and sailing and camping are all great, thanks to the power of television, you can watch your favorite characters do all that stuff. Here are 17 television episodes devoted to the subject of patriotism, fireworks, the beach and America.
- American Dad!, “American Dream Factory” Season 2, Episode 11
- Gravity Falls “The Stanchurian Candidate” Season 2, Episode 14
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia “Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody's *ss” Season 2, Episode 9
- King of the Hill, “Born Again on the Fourth of July” Season 13, Episode 14
- Lucas Bros Moving Co “Willdependence Day” Season 2, Episode 2
- Mad Men “Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency” Season 3, Episode 6
- M*A*S*H “A War for All Seasons” Season 9, Episode 6
- The Office “Beach Games” Season 3, Episode 23
- Parks and Recreation “Time Capsule” Season 3, Episode 3
- Portlandia, “4th of July BBQs” Season 5, Episode 5
- Saved by the Bell, “Fourth of July” Season 3, Episode 6
- Seinfeld “The Serenity Now” Season 9, Episode 3
- The Simpsons, “Summer of 4 Ft. 2” Season 7, Episode 25
- Teen Titans Go! “Money Grandma” Season 2, Episode 4
- Teen Titans Go! “Hot Salad Water” Season 4, Episode 26
- The West Wing “Jefferson Lives” Season 5, Episode 3
- The Wonder Years, “Independence Day” Season 6, Episode 22
In the spirit of full disclosure, the Parks and Recreation episode isn't traditionally categorized as Fourth of July themed. However, Leslie Knope embodies the patriotic spirit of public service and her pride in her community and country seem especially fitting on this holiday.