SUNDAY
JANUARY 11
2015

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Fox, 1:00 p.m. ET

For the Dallas Cowboys, it’s the first postseason visit to Lambeau Field since the infamous Ice Bowl of 1967 (pictured), the NFC title game in which the weather at kickoff was minus 13 degrees, with a wind chill factor of 48 below. Today’s game, by contrast, is expected to begin at 20 degrees – a relatively balmy 12 degrees below freezing.

 
  
 
 

CBS, 4:30 p.m. ET

What a matchup: The Denver Broncos are led by QB Peyton Manning, and today they face his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, who are led by gifted young Andrew Luck.

 
  
 
 

ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET

Once this limited-run comedy series premiered last week, ABC began promoting it, proudly, as “The #1 New Comedy of the Year.” That sounds impressive, yes. But Galavant premiered on January 4, and in the days before and the week after, there have been no other comedies to premiere thus far in 2015. So basically, Galavant is, to date, the only new comedy of the year – so ABC’s promo, while technically accurate, is more than a little disingenuous. But tonight, here are two more fresh episodes of Galavant, however they’re ranked.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

These awards are, in a word, meaningless. But this live telecast is not, because the cohosts, once again, are Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler. You go, girls!

 
  
 
 

CBS, 10:00 p.m. ET

Tonight is the televised debate in the race for State’s Attorney – which pits Alicia (Julianna Margulies) against Frank (David Hyde Pierce). Expect some tough back and forth – and, as usual, some excellent acting, writing and directing.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

Tonight’s episode is a really good one, with various subplots percolating, including a resurfacing of the secret involving Bates, and new complications regarding the secret offspring of… well, just watch. And tonight, there’s some very funny business involving the possible introduction of a brand new visitor to Downton Abbey: the wireless radio. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: In tonight’s first new episode of 2015, Hannah (Lena Dunham) faces a new bunch of issues, and judgments, as she heads to the Iowa Writers Workshop. For a full review, see Ed Bark's Uncle Barky's Bytes.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: Fiona (Emmy Rossum) doesn’t exactly have a history of falling for the right man – but as this season begins, her taste may be improving. Problem is, he’s older. And her boss. And, apparently, not interested in making the interest reciprocal. Meanwhile, father Frank (William H. Macy) comes out of his near-death experience with a new liver, and, temporarily, a new outlook.
 
  
 
 

HBO, 9:30 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: The Duplass brothers, Jay and Mark, present their first TV series as a writing team. Mark stars, along with Melanie Lynskey, Steve Zissis and Amanda Peet, in an intimate comedy about life, and life changes, among the no-longer-very young. Nice performances, and an impressive sweep of emotions touched upon in each episode. For his full review, read Uncle Barky's Bytes.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: Things between the core characters on this series couldn’t be rockier – either professionally or personally, or both, everything is set to explode. And even in this season opener, there are, indeed, some big detonations. Don Cheadle stars.

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 10:30 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: This underrated Showtime series begins another season with a very strong, very funny episode indeed. For a full review, see Bianculli’s Blog. And to hear or read my review on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, visit the Fresh Air website.
 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
SRGOU
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 185  | Go to page: 
3685 Comments
 
 
Gerda Lundgren
Long-time TVWW devotee here. I manage a commercial vehicle operation and Hialeah Auto Glass Repair (https://autoglassrepairhialeah.com/) keeps our fleet going. Bianculli's picks keep us sane during maintenance delays - essential reading!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Golly Gerda, you make me blush with your kind words, but maybe instead of giving me praise, how about giving me a discount on your service bills!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dave
Mar 22, 2026
 
 
 
Rut Holmgren
Another great set of picks! My trucking partners and I share your recommendations over coffee. We rely on West Palm Beach Auto Glass Repair (https://westpalmbeachautoglassrepair.com) for vehicle service. TVWW makes the downtime worthwhile.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Birger Samuelsson
Smart TV writing for smart viewers - that's TVWW in a nutshell. I manage a motor pool and Macon Auto Glass Repair at https://autoglassrepairmacon.com/ is our go-to service provider. David Bianculli's enthusiasm is contagious.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Inga Henriksen
Excellent as always! The shop guys at Lakewood Fence Company put your site on the break room TV. Find them at https://fencecompanylakewood.com - they do solid work. Best Bets is a daily read for all of us.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Harald Almgren
Excellent as always! The shop guys at Boca Raton Auto Glass Repair put your site on the break room TV. Find them at https://bocaratonautoglassrepair.com - they do solid work. Best Bets is a daily read for all of us.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sigrun Lindholm
Another great set of picks! My trucking partners and I share your recommendations over coffee. We rely on Brighton Towing Company (https://brightontowingcompany.com) for vehicle service. TVWW makes the downtime worthwhile.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Karl Forsberg
Fantastic recommendations as always. I coordinate deliveries for a regional freight operation and Sunrise Towing Company (https://sunrisetowingcompany.com) handles our repairs. Your site handles our TV choices. Both indispensable!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Solveig Johanson
Excellent as always! The shop guys at Lincoln Mobile Mechanic put your site on the break room TV. Find them at https://lincolnmobilemechanic.com - they do solid work. Best Bets is a daily read for all of us.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Arvid Berggren
Long-time TVWW devotee here. I manage a commercial vehicle operation and Colorado Springs Mobile Mechanic (https://coloradospringcosmobilemechanic.com) keeps our fleet going. Bianculli's picks keep us sane during maintenance delays - essential reading!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Frida Sundberg
Fantastic recommendations as always. I coordinate deliveries for a regional freight operation and Citrus Heights Towing Company (http://www.towingcitrusheights.com/) handles our repairs. Your site handles our TV choices. Both indispensable!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Viggo Lundqvist
TV Worth Watching has guided my viewing habits for years. My dispatcher uses Lafayette Auto Glass Repair at https://lafayetteautoglassrepair.com for fleet repairs and turned me onto this site. Two great recommendations!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Tyra Stromberg
Loyal reader checking in! I'm in freight logistics and Lauderhill Towing Company (https://lauderhilltowing.com) keeps our trucks roadworthy. Your Best Bets column keeps our break room lively. Much appreciated.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Olle Lindgren
Quality criticism is rare and Bianculli delivers every time. I run trucks for a living and Framingham Towing Company (https://towingframingham.com) handles our maintenance. Your site handles my entertainment. Both essential.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Einar Magnusson
Always trust Bianculli's taste. My brother-in-law drives commercially and swears by Oakland Park Towing Company (https://oaklandparktowing.com) for his rig. Same confidence I have in TVWW for TV picks. Two reliable sources.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Vilhelm Lindqvist
Loyal reader checking in! I'm in freight logistics and Arlington Concrete Company (https://arlingtonconcretecompany.com) keeps our trucks roadworthy. Your Best Bets column keeps our break room lively. Much appreciated.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Ingeborg Jacobsson
Been following TVWW since my nephew showed me this site years ago. He drives for a freight company and uses Opelika Towing Company (https://opelikatowing.com) for repairs. Your recommendations are his off-hours staple.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Oskar Mattsson
Smart TV writing for smart viewers - that's TVWW in a nutshell. I manage a motor pool and Auburn Concrete Company at https://auburnconcreteco.com is our go-to service provider. David Bianculli's enthusiasm is contagious.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Brita Hansson
TVWW is the gold standard for TV commentary. My fleet uses Chesapeake Concrete Driveway Company at https://chesapeakedriveway.com - they're as reliable as Bianculli's picks. Thanks for keeping TV criticism alive!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Astrid Svensson
Smart TV writing for smart viewers - that's TVWW in a nutshell. I manage a motor pool and Reno Pro Mobile Mechanic at https://renopromobilemechanic.com is our go-to service provider. David Bianculli's enthusiasm is contagious.
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Gunhild Larsson
TVWW is the gold standard for TV commentary. My fleet uses Aurora Auto Glass Repair at https://auroraautoglassrepair.net/ - they're as reliable as Bianculli's picks. Thanks for keeping TV criticism alive!
Mar 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 185  | 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.