This week on WGCU television

Cable channel 3

Wednesdays at 9 pm

In its third season, NOVA scienceNOW has stepped away from its parent, NOVA, and is airing on its own night - Wednesday - at 9 p.m.

Each new episode consists of several segments covering a variety of cutting-edge science topics. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium in New York City, continues as host of this fast-paced newsmagazine program. With a team of correspondents in the field, the shows explore new developments in computer science, astronomy, engineering and medicine.

As always, NOVA scienceNOW talks with renowned scientists and delves into a wide range of interesting topics. This month, find out about antibiotic-resistant bacterium on the battlefields of Iraq, the Hubble telescope repair mission, the evolution of human language development, clues about the planet's first primates, the emerging field of neurobotics, the pros and cons of a personal genetic profile, and the medical comeback of … leeches.

Masterpiece Theatre

Thursday, July 3 at 9 pm

Part 1: A forgotten prince comes into his own in a heartbreaking, two-part drama about Prince John, the present Queen of England's uncle, who was shut away as a young boy due to epilepsy and a learning disability. The prince watched as the glittering world of European royalty tore itself apart in the cataclysm of World War I. Written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff. Starring Gina McKee, Michael Gambon, Miranda Richardson, Tom Hollander and Bibi Andersson.

Part 2: The trauma of World War I is felt by Prince John and Lalla, his nanny, who are forced to live in increased isolation on the Sandringham estate. Determined to maintain contact with his brother, Prince George arrives to relay the news that the royal family is changing its name to Windsor to obscure its German origins. Weighed down by the cares of the war, George V and Mary find unexpected solace in a recital that Johnnie performs. But soon they must confront a final tragedy.

The performance will be shown again on July 10.

A Capitol Fourth 2008

Friday, July 4 at 8 pm and 9:30 pm

PBS fans are invited to the nation's biggest July Fourth celebration - live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film, theater and television actor Jimmy Smits hosts the 28th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth in Washington, DC. The star-spangled party will feature unrivaled musical performances from some of the country's best-known artists, as well as the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the nation. Grammy-winning musicians Huey Lewis and the News, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical superstar Hayley Westenra and soprano Harolyn Blackwell will perform a selection of patriotic and celebratory music with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Erich Kunzel.

Connect!

Small Businesses (Encore Presentation)

Saturday, July 5 at 6:30 pm and Sunday, July 6 at 11 pm

Maintaining local flavor through Naples Originals; alternatives for creative meal preparation; and Southwest Florida's coffee houses as gathering places. Hosted by Jim McLaughlin.

In Search of Myths and Heroes

The Queen of Sheba

Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m.

She's been portrayed as goddess, demon, and femme fatale but did the fascinating Queen of Sheba really exist? Michael Wood embarks on a quest for clues around the Red Sea and to the earliest civilization of Arabia to reveal the surprising truth.

Independent Lens

Deep Water

Tuesday, July 8 at 10 p.m.

Amateur yachtsman Donald Crowhurst enters the very first solo, non-stop, roundthe world boat race - and it turns into a fateful voyage.