THURSDAY
JULY 13
2017

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is not a recommendation: Actually, this is more of an observation, and a complaint. Tonight is the weakest night all summer, to date, for TV programming. If ever there were a night to catch up on old binge-worthy shows in your video queues or on your home-library shelves – or, if you’re really daring, to leave the house and have a life – this is the night. But I figured, this time, I’d show why. For the opening hour of prime time, for example, CBS is in summer rerun mode – yet, among the broadcast networks this evening, is the most palatable. All the others are presenting competition programs, starting with ABC’s Boy Band, which tonight presents its first live edition. The judges include Nick Carter, Timbaland and former Baby Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

 
  
 
 

NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is not a recommendation: More competition, and more judges as concerned about luring the spotlight their way as in showcasing new talent. The judges here, in this year’s lineup, include Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell, famous for judging other competition shows, and the new host is Tyra Banks, about whom it can be said: ditto.

 
  
 
 

Fox, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is not a recommendation: Basically, this show is a modern variation on the old, old, really old program Name That Tune – except it promotes a specific app. And is hosted by Jamie Foxx. And, basically, is even more unwatchable than unlistenable.

 
  
 
 

CW, 8:00 p.m. ET

This is not a recommendation: Penn & Teller, certainly, are the most talented hosts presiding over a competition show this hour – but the competition is among magicians, and what doesn’t feel like inside baseball feels so low-rent, it’s more like watching preschool tee ball. The most empathic magic act this duo could perform would be to self-cancel, and go back on the road.
 
  
 
 

CW, 9:00 p.m. ET

MINISERIES PREMIERE: This import from Britain’s Sky1 Television has a Romancing the Stone vibe – or that’s the target at which this miniseries is aiming, anyway. Michael Landes plays Hooten, an American adventurer and all-around rogue, and Ophelia Lovibond plays Alex Lindo-Parker, an aristocrat who works as curator for the British Museum. For a full review, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.

 
  
 
 

The Movie Channel, 8:00 p.m. ET

If you need something to watch tonight, here’s the best alternative: Quentin Tarantino’s most recent movie, his 2015 Western with great set pieces for virtually every cast member. Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth and Kurt Russell are great, but you expect that, especially in the hands of Tarantino as both writer and director. But wow: Walton Goggins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bruce Dern are amazing too, and they’re not alone.
 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
WFDVB
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 198  | Go to page: 
3951 Comments
 
 
The Draycott is widely praised on property websites for its prestigious freehold status, spacious luxury residences, and prime location within the exclusive Ardmore–Tanglin enclave of District 10. Known for its low-density environment and generously sized layouts, the development offers a refined blend of privacy, elegance, and comfort just minutes from Orchard Road.
May 28, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
? Premier Visa Group,??????????——???????????????????????????????
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Recently, I have started to read a lot of unique articles on different sites, and I am enjoying that a lot. Although, I must tell you that I still like the articles here a lot. They are also unique in their own way.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Recently, I have started to read a lot of unique articles on different sites, and I am enjoying that a lot. Although, I must tell you that I still like the articles here a lot. They are also unique in their own way.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great site.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
lsm99bet
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Recently, I have started to read a lot of unique articles on different sites, and I am enjoying that a lot. Although, I must tell you that I still like the articles here a lot. They are also unique in their own way.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Recently, I have started to read a lot of unique articles on different sites, and I am enjoying that a lot. Although, I must tell you that I still like the articles here a lot. They are also unique in their own way.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Recently, I have started to read a lot of unique articles on different sites, and I am enjoying that a lot. Although, I must tell you that I still like the articles here a lot. They are also unique in their own way.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
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.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
The vacation trades offered are evaluated a variety of in the chosen and simply good value all around the world. Those hostels are normally based towards households which you’ll find accented via charming shores promoting crystal-clear fishing holes, concurrent of one’s Ocean. Hotels Discounts.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
The vacation trades offered are evaluated a variety of in the chosen and simply good value all around the world. Those hostels are normally based towards households which you’ll find accented via charming shores promoting crystal-clear fishing holes, concurrent of one’s Ocean. Hotels Discounts.
May 26, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 198  | 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.