TUESDAY
JUNE 14
2016

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

ABC, 8:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Now here’s an interesting development. The quiz and game shows of the 1950s were a cheap form of popular programming that quickly took over much of prime time., spreading like kudzu. The only thing that stopped it was the quiz show scandal, when it was discovered that certain show sponsors and producers collaborated to rig games and feed answers to certain contestants. The viewing public was so outraged that the networks pulled all shows in the genre from the schedule. Today, reality TV was able to grow and flow and ebb of its own accord – and this summer, ABC is throwing a bunch of game show revivals against the wall, to see what sticks. Starting tonight: A reboot of the vintage game show To Tell the Truth, hosted by Anthony Anderson. And I’m not lying.

 
  
 
 

ABC, 9:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Back in 1990, CBS launched a sitcom version of the 1989 John Candy Uncle Buck movie. It was not only astoundingly unfunny, but ended up causing a backlash when the premiere episode featured a little kid saying the line “You suck.” Back then, that was enough to spark a firestorm. These days, regardless of the dialogue, a new Uncle Buck is likely to vanish quickly without incident. Whether or not that’s progress, it’s tough to say. For his take on the show, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower.

 
  
 
 

ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET

After last weekend's premiere episode of this nonfiction documentary series was shown on ABC, it moves to ESPN for the rest of its run, beginning with tonight’s Part 2 at 9 p.m. ET. And if you missed the opener, ESPN is repeating it at 7. Very highly recommended. No matter how much you’ve seen about O.J. Simpson, this is something different.
 
  
 
 

TNT, 9:00 p.m. ET

SERIES PREMIERE: Based on the 2010 Australian film starring Jacki Weaver, this new TNT series gives the role of the crime-family matriarch to Ellen Barkin. Co-stars include Scott Speedman, Finn Cole, Jake Weary, Shawn Hatosy and Ben Robson. For a full review, see David Hinckley’s All Along the Watchtower.
 
  
 
 

NBC, 10:00 p.m. ET

This is week three for this summertime variety series experiment from NBC, executive producer Lorne Michaels, and variety-show enthusiasts Martin Short and Maya Rudolph. So far, the most memorable bits have been the filmed pieces, not the ones performed before an audience. And that will have to change, I suspect, before this show will connect significantly with viewers.

 
  
 
 
 
 
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)
 
MVBCQ
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 220  | Go to page: 
4396 Comments
 
 
A Secrets Tides Punta Cana Airport Transfer allows travelers to begin their vacation with comfort, convenience, and confidence. After arriving at Punta Cana International Airport, the last thing most visitors want is to spend time searching for transportation or waiting in long lines. Planning airport transportation before departure helps make the arrival process much easier and allows guests to continue directly to the resort.

Secrets Tides Punta Cana is situated in the beautiful Uvero Alto region, approximately 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Punta Cana International Airport. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes around 45 to 55 minutes. Choosing a Secrets Tides Punta Cana Airport Transfer provides a direct route to the resort, avoiding unnecessary stops that are common with shared transportation.
Aug 7, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Phenomenal blog. I delighted in researching your articles. This is to an extraordinary degree an amazing examined for me. I have bookmarked it and I am suspecting inspecting new articles. Continue doing shocking
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
very good post, i definitely really like this fabulous website
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Superb article. Thanks to this blog my expedition has actually ended
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
So it is intriguing and great composed and see what they think about other individuals
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I see the best substance on your blog and I incredibly love understanding them
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
Newport Residences presents an appealing blend of contemporary design, comfort, and convenient urban living. The development looks thoughtfully planned, with an attractive atmosphere that could suit modern homeowners. I enjoyed reading about Newport Residences and its lifestyle features.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material.
Aug 6, 2026   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 220  | 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.