This Month on CPTV
July 2026 is a monumental, historic month for the United States, as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From the first weekend of the month, it’s a peak season of blockbuster events and activities, filled with fireworks, unique celebrations and unforgettable observances. On CPTV, we’ve cultivated a variety of those memorable moments for your viewing pleasure, and we invite you to join us as we salute the history, drama, memories and more that have made a mark on our collective experience as Americans.
On CPTV
The Kimberley: Australia’s Wild West
Wednesday, July 1 at 10 p.m.
Discover a breathtaking world where fearsome crocodiles lie in wait, wallabies risk it all for water and marsupial gliders soar over the savannah. See a jaw-dropping Australian wonder with terrain that's as harsh and unforgiving as it is beautiful.
WATCH HERE
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration
Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Kick off the historic 250th Anniversary weekend celebration the night of July 3rd from the U.S. Capitol with a front-row seat to the nation's biggest birthday party full of song, dance and fireworks! This 46th annual concert features world-renowned artists and the National Symphony Orchestra.
SEE A PREVIEW
The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America
Friday, July 3 at 11 p.m.
Join Greg Jackson, creator of the podcast "History That Doesn't Suck!, " and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. Professor Jackson shares the dynamic and engaging story of how 13 distinct and disparate colonies set aside differences to break away from the British and form a republic that became the model for western democracy. Then, in less than a century of this young nation's existence, the durability of its union and commitment to its founding ideals are put to the test by a bloody civil war. Filmed in front of a live audience, program weaves a stirring mix of images, letters and music to tell the dramatic story of America's first 100 years.
WATCH NOW
America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together
Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Set in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the program pays tribute to America's Semi-quincentennial and honors the past, engages the present and helps inspire America's future -- all from the place where the path to independence truly began. Featuring Ken Burns, Judy Collins, Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O'Hara, Richard Thomas, Adrienne Warren, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, Virginia Chorale and more. The evening culminates with a dramatic fireworks and drone display set to a patriotic score performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Patience | Season 2
Sundays at 8 p.m.
Witness Patience's powerful deduction skills as she helps the York Police solve crimes after a young autistic girl witnesses her father's murder at the railway museum but is unable to tell anyone what happened. Patience connects with her and coaxes some information from her which leads to a breakthrough in the case.
WATCH WITH PASSPORT
Grantchester on MASTERPIECE | Season 11
Sundays at 9 p.m.
There's no shortage of murder, mystery and mayhem in the seemingly quiet 1950s Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester, especially when Alphy's trip to reconcile with his mother takes a shocking turn when a passenger is murdered, and he becomes the prime suspect.
WATCH WITH PASSPORT
Downton Abbey on MASTERPIECE
Sunday, July 5, 12, 19 at 10 p.m.
Created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), "Downton Abbey" depicts the lives of the noble Crawley family and the staff who serve them, set at their Edwardian country house in 1912. Featuring an all-star cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith (Harry Potter) and Elizabeth McGovern. Laura Linney hosts.
WATCH WITH PASSPORT
The ‘60s in Connecticut
Monday, July 6 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 12 at 11:30 p.m.
Through interviews, historic photographs, archival footage and home movies and snapshots, discover the political upheaval, cultural transformation and social changes of the 1960s and their effects on Connecticut residents.
WATCH ON CT PUBLIC +
If I Could Stay / Si Pudiera Quedarme
Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m.
Undocumented mothers Jeanette and Ingrid seek church sanctuary to avoid deportation and separation from their children. Filmed over five years, their legal battles and quiet bravery inspire unlikely allies in largely white faith communities.
WATCH HERE
Breaking the Deadlock: How To Fix an Election
Tuesday, July 7 at 10 p.m.
Moderator Aaron Tang leads nine panelists through a dramatic hypothetical scenario around election issues and civic integrity, against the backdrop of America's 250th anniversary.
WATCH A PREVIEW
The American Southwest
Wednesday, July 8 at 10 p.m.
Enjoy a wildlife movie that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Shakespeare & Hathaway Private Investigators
Thursdays at 8 p.m. beginning July 9
Private inspector Frank Hathaway has always worked alone. But Frank isn't doing so well. He's out of shape and low on cash. He needs ex-hairdresser and people-person Lu. He just doesn't know it yet, until the two join forces and form a highly unlikely and hugely entertaining detecting duo. Frank and Lu quickly discover that all is not as peaceful as it seems in their pretty theatre town. Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon, where low life criminals get caught up in deliciously high drama.
Sister Boniface Mysteries
Thursdays at 9 p.m. beginning July 9
Sister Boniface is a Vespa driving, crime solving Catholic nun, and it's the 1960s and police forensics are rudimentary. If there's evidence to be found, Sister Boniface will find it, with a little help from dashing DI Sam Gillespie and buttoned-up Bermudan DS Felix Livingstone. There’s lots to investigate: a corpse is found stuffed inside a dummy at the local fair; tragedy hits a visiting TV crew; and a gruesome discovery is made in Edie's beloved allotment plot.
The Brokenwood Mysteries: As If Nothing Had Happened
Thursday, July 9 at 10 p.m.
With the assistance of Detective Kristin Sims, Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd investigates a wide range of murder mysteries in Brokenwood, a small town in the countryside of New Zealand.
WATCH WITH PASSPORT
Death in Paradise | Series 14
Saturday, July 11, 18 at 8 p.m.
Discover a series of impossible murders set on the fictional Caribbean island of Sainte Marie. This season, Mervin investigates his mother's death, finding a suspect but no proof of murder. As evidence mounts that Dorna's drowning wasn't accidental, Sterling interferes. Can Selwyn help solve the case as Mervin faces his past?
Creating the Erie Canal
Monday, July 13 at 10 p.m.
The notion of building the longest canal in the world, by a nation low on skills and limited resources, was considered ridiculous by many. The United States had no engineering school in the early 1800s, and no qualified European engineer would take the job. The task of designing and building the Erie Canal fell to upstate New York residents, most of whom had never seen a canal.
WATCH WITH PASSPORT
Independent Lens: Flood
Monday, July 13 at 11 p.m.
Katy Scoggin returns home to the Inland Empire to face her differences with her evangelical father. What begins as a project becomes a journey toward empathy and connection, as they confront faith, family and memory on a cross-country trip.
SEE A PREVIEW
Once Upon a Time in Space
Tuesdays at 9 p.m. beginning July 14
Drawing on intimate, unseen archive and powerful first-hand testimony, this landmark four-part series tells the human stories behind our quest to explore space, offering a unique perspective on our changing world and where we are headed.
WATCH A PREVIEW
Mark Twain’s Neighborhood: Nook Farm
Tuesday, July 14 at 10 p.m.
In the latter half of the 19th century, the Nook Farm neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut, flourished. During the heyday of Mark Twain’s writing career, Nook Farm was the remarkable residence that his family called home. His neighbors included other literary, political and religious leaders of the day, including Harriet Beecher Stowe and publisher Charles Dudley Warner. This documentary explores that remarkable community.
WATCH ON CT PUBLIC +
The Toolbox of America
Monday, July 20 at 10 p.m.
Explore the innovations that one family brought to manufacturing in America, and the transformation of one New England city that emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries as the "Hardware Capital of the World." By the early 20th century, Stanley Black & Decker in New Britain, Connecticut, had become the nexus of manufacturing in America. Learn about the history of this small Connecticut town whose motto is "Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey."
WATCH ON CT PUBLIC +
Christa
Tuesday, July 21 at 10 p.m.
Christa McAuliffe, America's first teacher in space, is the subject of a moving documentary on the creation of her statue, unveiled in September 2024 at the New Hampshire State House and created by Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor. Through interviews with former students, educators and state leaders, the film celebrates her life and belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
WATCH NOW
Chasing the Moon: American Experience
Part One – Friday, July 24 at 9 p.m. and Part Two – Friday, July 31 at 9 p.m.
Explore the early days of the space race, the struggle to catch up with the Soviet Union and the enormous stakes in the quest to reach the moon. Both the breathtaking failures and successes of the developing U.S. space program are highlighted.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Connecticut for All Seasons
Monday, July 27 at 10 p.m. and Friday, July 31 at 11 p.m.
This CPTV Original travels to every corner of the Nutmeg State, highlighting some of the most famous sites and events and featuring landscapes in all four seasons.
WATCH ON CT PUBLIC +