What to Watch in July
Lisa Tipton
July 2, 2025
There's a huge amount of worthwhile TV out there nowadays, so it can be hard to choose what to watch. But who better to recommend shows than the person who programs them? Lisa Tipton, WTTW’s Head of Programming and Pledge, constructs the WTTW schedule by searching through offerings from many different sources which include the national PBS network, the BBC, and independent filmmakers to put together a varied and engaging broadcast schedule. Each month, she recommends a few shows that she thinks you should watch.
Find all the ways to watch WTTW here. Many of the below shows are available to stream or will be once they premiere, especially by WTTW Passport members.
A Capitol Fourth 2025
Friday, July 4 at 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm
One of most popular traditions returns for its 45th year, as musicians and performers congregate in Washington, D.C. for a night filled with music, tributes, and, of course, fireworks.
The Great American Recipe
Fridays at 8:00 pm beginning July 11
It's season 4 of this show spotlighting home cooks in friendly competition, which lets you not only savor their talent but also learn new recipes and cultural stories. Look out for an interview with one of the contestants, who grew up in Evanston and continues to share the Caribbean dishes she learned from her mother and grandmother there.
Queen(s) of Mystery
We've got both the queen of mystery Agatha Christie and Queens of Mystery, an enjoyable new mystery that airs Saturdays at 8:00 pm beginning July 19. Christie is spotlighted in the new program Alan Carr's Adventures with Agatha Christie, Mondays at 9:00 pm beginning July 7.
American Masters: Marcella
Even if you don't know the name Marcella Hazan, it's likely you have benefited from the influence of the Italian cookbook author, who helped introduce to America sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and the idea of Italy as having one of the most admired cuisines in the world.
Check back for an interview with the filmmaker behind the documentary, which recently won a coveted James Beard Award.
Eastland: Chicago's Deadliest Day
One hundred and ten years ago, on July 24, a ship capsized in the Chicago River, leading to the deaths of 844 people. We're bringing back this documentary to help explain what happened in this tragedy, and how.
