From Mad Men to The West Wing, these are the best Fourth of July episodes in TV history celebrating America with fireworks, reflection, and drama.
You can rattle off classic Christmas or Halloween TV episodes without thinking, but Independence Day? That’s a trickier one. Since most network shows air from fall through spring, July 4 often gets skipped. But when shows do tackle the Fourth, the results can be unforgettable. Here are the top 10 episodes that make the most of America’s birthday.
10. Magnum, P.I. – “Home from the Sea”
Tom Selleck’s Thomas Magnum plans to spend the Fourth of July alone—but when his surf ski flips and he’s stranded at sea, the episode turns into a life-and-death flashback of his childhood and the loss of his Navy officer father. It’s a haunting and emotional hour that elevates Magnum’s typical adventure format into something far deeper.
9. King of the Hill – “Born Again on the Fourth of July”
This episode features Bobby getting really into revivalist Christianity, but the holiday subplot sees Hank and the guys in an escalating fireworks war with the neighbors. It’s patriotic chaos, Arlen-style, with one of the show’s most quotable lines: “If those kids could read, they’d be very upset!” A perfect blend of spiritual satire and backyard Americana.
8. The West Wing – “Jefferson Lives”
A rare Fourth of July entry from the post-Aaron Sorkin era, this episode still delivers. President Bartlet must pick a new VP amid terrorist threats and political chess games, while a naturalization ceremony moved indoors due to bomb threats ends with Bartlet leading new citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance. A timely, emotional reminder of America’s ideals.
7. Frasier – “Crock Tales”
Frasier breaks a pot just before a dinner party, triggering flashbacks from past seasons—one of which is an especially ridiculous Fourth of July. Dressed as Uncle Sam, Fras and friends get locked out on his sweltering balcony while Martin wears noise-canceling headphones inside. It’s part cringe comedy, part nostalgia bomb, and a love letter to the show’s long history.
6. Portlandia – “4th of July”
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein celebrate America their way. Dave and Kath throw a hyper-local punk-themed party that somehow features British flags. The mayor scores fireworks from the dark web. And Fred’s long-winded party goodbyes threaten to ruin a marathon barbecue crawl. It’s Portland’s most delightfully bizarre take on patriotism.
5. The Wonder Years – “Summer/Independence Day”
The two-part series finale sees Kevin and Winnie reconnecting and clashing while working summer jobs. After a stormy night in a barn, they return just in time for their hometown’s July 4th parade. Kevin’s adult narration closes the show with emotional reveals about each character’s future. It’s nostalgic, bittersweet, and one of the strongest finales ever aired.
4. Little House on the Prairie – “Centennial”
Set during America’s 100th birthday in 1876, this Bicentennial-era episode tackles themes still relevant today. Walnut Grove is bitter over taxes, while a Russian immigrant named Yuli offers a touching perspective on why he still believes in America. Emotional, hopeful, and earnest in classic Little House on the Prairie fashion.
3. The Simpsons – “Summer of 4 Ft. 2”
Lisa reinvents herself on summer vacation to finally fit in, while Homer tries to buy illegal fireworks for the Fourth. The Lisa plot is the heart of the episode, showing her vulnerable side and growth. Meanwhile, Homer’s shady firework deal adds some explosive comedy to round it all out.
2. China Beach – “Independence Day”
On a stormy Fourth in Vietnam, the hospital staff treats a soldier literally named America. The episode explores patriotism from every angle—racism, imperialism, immigration, and disillusionment—through multiple powerful character arcs. It’s a masterclass in how to make holiday TV both political and poignant.
1. Mad Men – “Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency”
Set during the July 4 weekend, this is Mad Men at its sharpest. The Brits plan to promote Guy MacKendrick and sideline Don and Roger—until a John Deere mower accident leads to one of the darkest, funniest scenes in TV history. But it’s the final moment between Don and Joan at the hospital that steals the show—smoldering with chemistry, melancholy, and an unspoken connection. Independence Day has never looked so stylish… or bloody.
