FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 1

2013

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is a warning, not a recommendation. I’ve been a TV critic so long that I remember when it was natural, and easy, to fan the flames of outrage whenever a local newscast would spend part of its time doing a feature story obviously tied to one of its prime-time offerings. That practice has become so accepted, nobody even blinks any more, not even TV critics. But tonight’s prime-time network special, presented under the auspices and corporate flag of NBC News, is called Why We (Heart) Vampires, and is a direct, blatant tie-in to its newest drama series, Dracula – which conveniently follows two hours later, at 10 p.m. ET. This sort of shameless, manipulative cross-promotion is Why I (Hate) Network TV, at least when it pulls garbage like this. Even under the flimsy excuse of putting the appeal of vampires in a context of both historical fact (as pictured, Vlad the Impaler!) and popular culture (the Twilight movies!), this kind of tacky tie-in special is a Vlad idea. Oh, and by the way: NBC’s Dracula, the series, is awful.

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

Frank Capra directed this fast-moving delight of a screwball comedy, which swept all the major Oscar awards in 1934 – becoming the first movie to do so. Clark Cable stars, and the one scene Claudette Colbert doesn’t steal with her charm and wit, she steals with her legs.

REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

What a lineup! Neil DeGrasse Tyson (pictured) shows up to argue science in a way that makes sense, two Hollywood Robs – Reiner and Lowe – show up to argue their political views, and Ann Coulter shows up to represent the conservative side.

HAVEN

Syfy, 10:00 p.m. ET

Duke (Eric Balfour) and Nathan (Lucas Bryant) come out swinging in tonight’s new episode, which is called “Crush” – and, for the record, is about scrunching things, not falling in love with them. Although, given the behavior of Duke and Nathan regarding Emily Rose’s Audrey a.k.a. Lexie, maybe it’s both.

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

Here’s another classic screwball comedy from TCM tonight. This one, from 1940, is directed by Howard Hawks, and stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell in an especially saucy version of the Ben Hecht play The Front Page. Anyone who’s ever stepped foot in a newspaper newsroom loves this movie. But how many people are stepping into newspaper newsrooms these days? Sigh.

<< PREVIOUS | NEXT >>

Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!

Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)

Name (required)

Email (required) (will not be published)


Type in the verification word shown on the image.

Page: 1 of 187 | Go to page:

3723 Comments

PBN murah

Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts.

Apr 12, 2026 | Reply

?????

This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information..

Apr 12, 2026 | Reply

mlb??

If you've been tackling all of your academic assignments on your own, know that you may always ask for help by saying "take my online exam for me". If you're undergoing pressure for a long time because of difficult work or tight deadlines, don't let it bother you. You can ask experienced professionals for help.They will complete the difficult assignments for you.

Apr 12, 2026 | Reply

?????

This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information..

Apr 12, 2026 | Reply

memek

Hanya sekelompok penipu lain yang melakukan bisnis kotor secara online.

Apr 12, 2026 | Reply

jasa pbn premium

This article was written by a real thinking writer.I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer

Apr 9, 2026 | Reply

?? ????

We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work.

Apr 9, 2026 | Reply

?? ????

I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

3000kVA transformer

I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed...

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

Data center hardware marketplace

Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

????? ??

Cool you write, the information is very good and interesting, I'll give you a link to my site

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

????

I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

?????

I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

??????

I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

??????

I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

????? ??

I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you

Apr 8, 2026 | Reply

jerkzy

Jerkzy is a free random adult cam chat platform that connects users with live performers through instant webcam matching. We built Jerkzy to deliver the excitement of live adult entertainment without the friction of signups, payments, or complicated interfaces.

Apr 7, 2026 | Reply

Watches for Men

thanks for sharing the valuable information https://tornado.store

Apr 6, 2026 | Reply

Cape Royale

Cape Royale is widely praised on property websites for its exclusive waterfront living concept and prestigious location in Sentosa Cove, one of Singapore’s most luxurious residential enclaves. The development features 302 spacious units with panoramic views of the South China Sea and marina,

Apr 4, 2026 | Reply

Medical Equipment Manufacturing Company in India

If you are searching for reliable medical equipment, Manarti Exports is a trusted manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, hospital furniture, and disposable items at competitive prices. Our priority is quality, safety, and meeting international standards. With quick delivery and dependable support, we proudly serve hospitals, clinics, and distributors across the worldwide.

Apr 4, 2026 | Reply

Page: 1 of 187 | Go to page:

David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.

New From TVWW

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 10:00 p.m. ET

Syfy, 10:00 p.m. ET

TCM, 10:00 p.m. ET

David Bianculli

PBS' 'Frontline’ Examines Pension Promises and — Spoiler Alert — Finds the Math Doesn’t Add Up

The Decadence of ‘Versailles’ Comes to Ovation

Prescribing Mamie Gummer in 'Emily Owens, M.D.'

Looking for a Free Ride? HBO Can Deliver

'Pass the Biscuits' Part of the Hatfield-McCoy Pop-Culture Legacy