SUNDAY
MAY 13
2018

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET

On Mother’s Day, family TV shows are especially welcome – and one thing you can say about American Idol, in all its incarnations, is that it’s a show that can be watched by the entire family. So here it is, live, a two-hour competition featuring the new ABC program’s first Top 5 – and with Katy Perry invariably grabbing the biggest share of the spotlight, from contestants and judges alike, as she did on "Disney music" night last week, by dressing as Snow White...
 
  
 
 

PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: This new three-hour version of the Louisa May Alcott classic is presented over two Sundays: the first hour tonight, and the concluding two hours next week. Maya Hawke stars as Jo, but the biggest names, in this new TV adaptation of the tale of close-knit Massachusetts siblings during the Civil War, are not the actresses playing the March sisters, but the elder generation of parents and neighbors. They’re played by Emily Watson, Angela Lansbury, and Singing Detective star Michael Gambon. The adaptation, a faithful and rather reverent one, is by Heidi Thomas, creator of Call the Midwife, and reflects a similar delight in capturing small, intimate moments. Perfectly suitable as a Mother’s Day TV selection. Check local listings. For a full review, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.

 
  
 
 

BBC America, 8:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s episode was an exciting and unpredictable one, with hit woman Villanelle (Jodie Comer) breaking into the home of Eve (Sandra Oh), the British intelligent agent hot on her trail – and asking for some dinner. These characters are written so well, and so quirkily, that you never know quite what they’ll do or so, which is half the fun. Last week, for example, when a man about to be killed by Eve begged for his life by saying he had children, Eve replied by asking what she would want with his children. In all the hundreds of begging-for-mercy spy scenes I’ve seen, I’ve never, ever heard that response before. Wonderful…

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 8:00 p.m. ET

In some respects, this past week arguably has been President Donald Trump’s most embraced and impressive. In other respects, there’s the loose cannon that is Rudy Giuliani, and the heat-seeking, newsmaking missile that is Michael Avenatti. Presumably, today The Circus covers both ends of the spectrum.

 
  
 
 

HBO, 9:00 p.m. ET

This fourth episode of Season 2 of Westworld returns, in part, to the story of Bernard, where we learn more about the true motives of the corporation behind these high-tech amusement parks. It has something to do with invasion of privacy, and profiting from the use of private information gathered from the park’s customers. So, in a way, the Delos corporation and Facebook may have something else in common, beside the desire to attract as many people as possible…

 
  
 
 

Showtime, 9:00 p.m. ET

Last week’s Billions accomplished the seemingly impossible: Both Axe and Chuck walked away without being indicted or prosecuted for their crimes, and Wendy managed to retain her pivotal position as Chuck’s wife and Axe’s “spirit animal.” Tonight, both men are flush with victory, and eager to dive in… but where?

 
  
 
 

HBO, 10:45 p.m. ET

SEASON FINALE: Barry has grown stronger and more impressive each episode – and last week, allowed both Barry and the actor playing him, Bill Hader, to do some intense, involving acting. And tonight, Barry tries to take control of his life, which might well mean taking the life of one or two others. Or maybe more…

 
  
 
 

HBO, 11:20 p.m. ET

What The Circus does Sunday nights on Showtime, this program does the same night on HBO. Except with this one, the laughs are more intentional than rueful. And no, John Oliver didn’t self-cancel his show last week, celebrating a career-high victory after getting an Australian koala chlamydia ward named after him by Russell Crowe. The rest is true – but not the part about Oliver quitting. He’s still here, I’m very, very pleased to report… with a new installment of Last Week Tonight tonight.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
HUKIR
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 219  | Go to page: 
4361 Comments
 
 
Mudassir
Ann Arbor rodent management requires a comprehensive strategy focused on identifying entry points, eliminating attractants, and implementing effective control measures. Professional pest management services play a crucial role in preventing recurring infestations and safeguarding public health. Property owners seeking reliable guidance and industry insights can explore this website: https://pestcontrolinlawton.com/. The resources available offer valuable information on rodent prevention, treatment options, and long-term pest management practices.
Aug 3, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing for your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!
Aug 2, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you for your blog. It's awesome!
Aug 1, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much
Jul 30, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is gold! I’ve already forwarded it to a couple of friends who were asking about this.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for the practical advice. It’s much more useful than theoretical concepts.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
The website style is perfect, the content material is really good
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
You will see all styles and models of fashion blogs as being the internet is stuffed with them.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is my first visit to your blog! Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
One of the biggest competitions of today is staying fit
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Seen you are aware of the trend in this case.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
You will discover all types and designs of fashion blogs since the internet is filled with them.
Jul 29, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
The Bahrain visa application status refers to the current progress
Jul 28, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I really like how you balanced the pros and cons in this article.
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"Really enjoyed this blog.Much thanks again. Great.

"
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"You are a great writer. Please keep it up!

"
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"You are a great writer. Please keep it up!

"
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks, I have been hunting for details about this subject for ages and yours is the best I ave found so far.
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives in-depth information. Thanks for this nice article.
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
"You are a great writer. Please keep it up!

"
Jul 27, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 219  | 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.