SUNDAY

MARCH 13

2016

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE GREATEST POLITICAL SHOW ON EARTH

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

The political race has given fuel to two must-see Sunday night shows on premium cable. The one that arrives first is Showtime’s The Circus, which affords backstage and on-the-scene looks from the campaign trail. And the reason it’s must-see is because of what’s been happening, week in and week out, on that trail. Happy trails to you? Not on this show… but divisive, disappointing, surprising, even violent? The gang’s all here.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

Lifetime, 8:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: This imported 2015 miniseries is in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie TV adaptations – and starting with David Suchet as Poirot, that’s a grand tradition indeed. This is a four-hour, two-night adaptation (stretched from the original British three-episode drama) of one of Christie’s most famous and best-selling mysteries. Part 2 is televised tomorrow night at 9 ET. Stars include Charles Dance, Toby Stephens and Miranda Richardson. For a full review, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.

THE CARMICHAEL SHOW

NBC, 9:00 p.m. ET

This is a milestone of sorts, no matter what you think of the subject. Tonight’s The Carmichael Show, which is making a point this season of becoming known for being an issues-oriented sitcom, tonight takes on the issue of fallen idols – and the specific subject is Bill Cosby. Considering how Cosby, for NBC, not only made racial history with I Spy in the 1960s by becoming the first African-American to star in a drama series, but his The Cosby Show in the 1980s virtually saved the sitcom, and NBC’s fortunes, almost singlehandedly. So this show tonight may be very funny, and may even be bold – but one thing it’s not, just for the record, is grateful. Not that it should be…

THE WALKING DEAD

AMC, 9:00 p.m. ET

Every week since The Walking Dead came back from its midseason break, I’ve been thinking, well, surely the show can’t keep up this sort of intensity for another episode – and every week, I’ve been wrong. Last week’s episode, the raid on the enemy camp, was white-knuckle territory even by Walking Dead standards. And just when I thought the tension was over, it ratcheted to a new level with a cliffhanger that makes tonight’s episode a must-see – but maybe not a must-see-alone…

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER

HBO, 11:00 p.m. ET

Here’s another Sunday night cable show that has become must-see viewing because of the way it covers the weekly race by presidential candidates. John Oliver doesn’t spend all his time dissecting the week’s political candidates, gaffes, and outrages – but he gives them enough time to make this an invaluable, and strangely soothing, recap.

<< 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 141 | Go to page:

2801 Comments

??????

That was more than karaoke. it felt like a live concert! You totally owned the mic and won everyone’s hearts.

Oct 27, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Holy Lolapalooza! It's been a semi-secret in my life that I like to GLAM UP and belt out a few tunes at my local watering hole. I didn't ever think that one of my FANS would stumble in to one of my performances!!! ROTFLMBFAO!!!!

Which song did you like best: Girls Just Want to Have Fun, or Highway to Hell?

Next time, please introduce yourself!! I promise, I don't bite!!!! (unless we both mutually agree that we would like that!!!!!)

Fondly yours in TV,

Dave

Oct 28, 2025

Chuan Park

Thanks for sharing this. Home buying can feel stressful, but posts like this make the process easier to understand and plan for.

Oct 24, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

What the fuc% are you talking about?

Warmly,

Dave

Oct 26, 2025

lsm99

I simply want to tell you that I am just beginner to blogs and really enjoyed you’re web page. Very likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have fantastic posts. Thank you for sharing.

Oct 21, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Oh wow, you just made my day! I almost wet my pants!!

Sincerely,

Dave

Oct 26, 2025

sport betting

When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic.

Oct 21, 2025 | Reply

Union Square Residences

Buying a home can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the process and get pre-approved, things start falling into place. I really appreciate how this post breaks down the steps clearly, super helpful for buyers!

Oct 17, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Hey homie,

I think you just took a wrong turn on the Information Highway!!!! ROTFLMBFFAO!!!!

Seriously, please remove your post. And if you decide to post again, please make it about the greatest Art that Man has ever Created: TELEBISION!!!!!

Warmly,

Dave

Oct 17, 2025

one allsport

I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.!

Oct 15, 2025 | Reply

one allsport

Oct 15, 2025 | Reply

lsm99dna

You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this.

Oct 14, 2025 | Reply

one allsports

Awesome blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Many thanks!

Oct 11, 2025 | Reply

?????

You made karaoke night the highlight of the evening, fantastic job!

Oct 11, 2025 | Reply

lsm9999

Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. We will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with quality content.

Oct 9, 2025 | Reply

Godrej Thanisandra

Godrej Thanisandra in North Bangalore – a pre-launch residential project offering 2, 3 & 4 BHK luxury apartments across 20.33 acres. Enjoy premium amenities.

Oct 8, 2025 | Reply

Dave Bianculli

Hey Godfrey - what-the-ever-loving-fuc%-are-you-even-fuc%ing-talking about??!
I think you took a wrong turn after hitting that meth pipe to end up here!!!

ROTFLMBFFAO!!!

Dave

Oct 8, 2025

one allsport

I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. May you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post

Oct 7, 2025 | Reply

coolgamingnews

We’re a small, passionate team based in Austin, Texas, whose love of the gaming hobby turned into a full-time mission

Oct 6, 2025 | Reply

lsm99 login

Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

Oct 5, 2025 | Reply

lsm99dna

Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

Oct 4, 2025 | Reply

Call girls jodhpur

Tottaa is a leading name for high-class call girls Jodhpur and reliable escort service Jodhpur. Whether you need an elegant Jodhpur call girl or premium Jodhpur escort service, Tottaa provides unmatched quality. Meet professional Jodhpur call girls and enjoy private, secure, and unforgettable companionship tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit us:-https://in.tottaa.com/call-girls/rajasthan/jodhpur

Oct 1, 2025 | Reply

Call girls jodhpur

Oct 1, 2025 | Reply

jodhpur call girl

Tottaa is a leading name for high-class call girls Jodhpur and reliable escort service Jodhpur. Whether you need an elegant Jodhpur call girl or premium Jodhpur escort service, Tottaa provides unmatched quality. Meet professional Jodhpur call girls and enjoy private, secure, and unforgettable companionship tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit now:-https://in.tottaa.com/call-girls/rajasthan/jodhpur

Oct 1, 2025 | Reply

??????

You sing with so much heart, it makes karaoke extra special.

Oct 1, 2025 | Reply

Page: 1 of 141 | 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

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

Lifetime, 8:00 p.m. ET

NBC, 9:00 p.m. ET

AMC, 9:00 p.m. ET

HBO, 11:00 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