THURSDAY
OCTOBER 12
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

Hulu, 3:00 a.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Chelsea Handler went to Netflix to launch her latest, even less inhibited talk show. Now another female comic, Sarah Silverman, is following suit. In her case, she’s presenting a limited-series talk show on another streaming service, Hulu, and one that will pay as much attention to ordinary Americans (are there any left?) as to Hollywood celebrities. Silverman’s goal is to unite, not divide, which certainly puts her in a relatively less populated space, comically as well as politically.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET

After seasons of taking its time to unfurl the various origin stories in the Batman DC Comics universe, this year’s Gotham has been on creative speed-dial. It’s still telling of the early years of Gotham City, before Gordon was commissioner and Catwoman wore ears-to-boots leather – but now its characters, and conflicts, are crystallizing. Penguin (pictured, along with his favorite current henchman) is in charge of Gotham at the moment, but a cabal of women – including Selina, the future Catwoman – are scheming to bring him down. As is Riddler, recently thawed out from a Penguin deep freeze. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is dressing and fighting more like Batman at night, while going undercover as a bratty Bruce by day. Lots is going on, and much of it remains lots of fun to watch.

 
  
 
 

CW, 8:00 p.m. ET

SEASON PREMIERE: For most series, starting Season 13 might be considered an unlucky omen – but for Supernatural, it fits right in. And Season 13 doesn’t waste much time getting the demon-fighting brothers together, and pointed in the same direction. But I’m not sure about all the other alternate dimensions that might exist on this show. In one alternate dimension, Sam and Dean may still be separated, and their mother is alive and isolated there. At least, that’s what I think is happening. Once these multiple-dimension story lines start spinning, whether it’s Supernatural or Mr. Robot or The Flash, I’m guessing there’s a TV critic, in some alternate dimension, who looks just like me, but understands it all.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET

Here’s an alternate-reality story, though, that I have no problem understanding and enjoying. Last season, The Good Place was all about a weird little slice of heaven – which turned out, in the stunningly clever season-ending reveal, to actually be a twisted little corner of hell. And ever since, the architect of that particular “good place,” Ted Danson’s Michael, has been trying to torture a quartet of recent arrivals by erasing their memories and rebooting their afterlife experiences, with constant little tweaks. Tonight, hundreds of failed attempts later, he decides to solicit their help – which leads to a party thrown by Tahani (Jameela Jamil, pictured), who, in turns out, may be the worst party planner since Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week, The Orville made room for guest star Charlize Theron, playing a starship officer. Tonight, another female guest star gets to play another futuristic officer: Admiral Ozawa is played by Kelly Hu, who’s been on TV ever since co-starring opposite Don Johnson on Nash Bridges.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
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3811 Comments
 
 
I really liked your article post. Really looking forward to read more. Great. Say, you got a nice article. Really thank you! Fantastic.I think the restaurant which you told me in the letter is very interesting. I also like to eat out and I usually go to a restaurant for dinner with my family twice a month., The food is delicious so we enjoy it very much. The service is also quick and friendly.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Teaching English online has become a flexible, rewarding career path—and you don’t need a university degree to get started. By focusing on the right certifications, tools, and platforms, anyone with strong English skills can build a thriving online teaching business.
Apr 25, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice evening!
Apr 24, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu kelas rendah melakukan apa yang paling mereka kuasai—berbohong, menipu, dan menghilang dengan uang orang lain.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu yang memalukan memangsa orang-orang dengan klaim palsu dan kebohongan.
Apr 23, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This article is packed with insights! I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into making it so engaging. Well done!
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Such an amazing read! Your ability to explain things in a simple yet detailed way is truly impressive.
Apr 22, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Hey sweetie,

It's not that complicated! It's TV!!! Do what I do!!!!! Grab a six pack of Miller Lite, crack the first one open and drink it. Rinse and repeat!!!!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!!!!!!

Just let the TV flow over you.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Dave
Apr 21, 2026
 
 
 
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This was well explained since it stayed concise and clear. Thanks for sharing this insight.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Para penipu ini adalah pembohong profesional. Siapa pun yang mempercayai mereka hanya ikut memperkuat penipuan mereka.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia, persetan dengan para penipu itu, tangkap mereka dan persetan dengan mereka karena telah menipu banyak orang.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Pemerintah Indonesia tangkap situs web sialan itu
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Practical stream
A thoughtful reflection on TV criticism’s evolution and legacy—blending nostalgia, personal memories, and appreciation for creators who shaped meaningful viewing experiences.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Manusia sampah sejati, memangsa orang-orang tak berdosa hanya untuk mengisi kantong mereka yang serakah. Sungguh memalukan.
Apr 21, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Sialan para penipu ini karena telah mencuri uang dan kepercayaan orang lain.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Situs web ini benar-benar penipuan, jangan percayai mereka.
Apr 20, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
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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.