July 4th TV designed to bring U.S. together

HBO offering reading of founding documents by people of all stripes

LOS ANGELES — Happy nonpartisan Fourth of July!

In this rancorous political environment, America’s birthday is a chance for people to leave the verbal fireworks aside, at least briefly, and understand and appreciate what they’ve got.

TV, which typically revels in left-right shouting matches, instead is cooperating with shows that help do just that — among them an unusual documentary from filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, whose credits include 2002’s Emmy-winning “Journeys with George.”

HBO’s “The Words That Built America” offers an unabridged reading of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights by politicians of all stripes, celebrities and even kids.

As the daughter of House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, the filmmaker sees the partisan divide firsthand. The especially bitter 2016 presidential election inspired her and Sheila Nevins of HBO to develop the inclusive project.

The film is brief, 45 minutes, and simply executed: facing the camera solo, each person reads a self-selected passage from one of the documents. Participants include President Donald Trump and his five living Oval Office predecessors; U.S. senators, congressmen, Supreme Court justices and, among the stars, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep and Common.

Author David McCullough provides historical context with a spare narration.

More TV options saluting the nation, in ways thoughtful or rousing:

“America in Color,” debuting ■

Sunday, Smithsonian Channel. The five-part series showcases film and photos of milestone 20thcentury U.S. events.

“A Capitol Fourth,” Tuesday, ■ airing on PBS, online at pbs.org and on NPR radio stations. John Stamos hosts this celebration from the U.S. Capitol lawn for an audience that includes U.S. troops serving around the world.

“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks ■

Spectacular,” Tuesday, NBC. The fireworks display over New York’s East River.